Football
FC Bayern struggles in first leg Champions League semifinal match
Goals from Barcelona superstars – two from Lionel Messi and one from Neymar – gave Barcelona a 3-0 win, and have put Bayern’s back up against the wall for next week’s second leg match in Munich.
It was a result many feared: with a number of key Bayern players either out with injury or not quite in top form, there were concerns heading into Wednesday’s Champions League semifinal first leg match against Barcelona that Bayern would not be able to match the Spanish side’s immense talent. These concerns, unfortunately, proved to be prophetic.
After a shaky first half, Bayern settled in the second half into a strategy that focused on defending their goal, leaving few scoring opportunities up front. The tactic appeared to be working through 75 minutes of the match, and it seemed that Bayern might escape the intimidating match at Barcelona’s Camp Nou with a scoreless draw.
Messi scores late
But then came Messi, as he so often does. The Argentine star scored in the 77th and 80th minutes, turning a respectable outcome into a squandered opportunity. Neymar’s injury time goal was only salt in Bayern’s wounds, as it means their task on Tuesday at the Allianz Arena is that much more difficult.
“We did well for a long time, but then Messi showed off all his talent.” (Bayern coach Pep Guardiola)
However, if there is one thing we’ve learned about FC Bayern Munich since partnering with them at the start of this season, it’s that they are never to be counted out. In the quarterfinals against Porto, Bayern lost the away leg as well, only to come back in the Allianz Arena and dominate the Portuguese side 6-1 to advance to the semifinal. Against-the-odds results are part of what make Bayern Munich such a successful team.
“Our glimmer of hope is the game against Porto,” said Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer.
We’re not giving up on Bayern yet! The second leg of the Champions League semifinal against Barcelona is Tuesday, May 12 at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Stay up to date on FC Bayern and all of DHL’s sporting partners right here on InMotion!
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