Bayern Munich blew Italian side AS Roma, out of the water in their Group-E match-up in the Champions League. Bayern played almost flawlessly for their best match of the season, and used Roma as an example to show the world that they are in it to win it.
First Half
The first few minutes of the half seemed even and Roma held the ball well, but Arjen Robben was able to open the scoring in the 10th minute to mark the start of a horrific night for Roma keeper, Morgan De Sanctis. The goal was a fantastic trademark Robben strike, as he was able to create space for his left foot and curl a ball around Ashley Cole and into the opposite side of the net. At this point, Bayern saw most of the ball and created many attacking chances.
In the 23rd minute, they showed their class again as Thomas Muller was able to link up with Mario Gotze with a wonderful little backwards flick. Gotze hit the ball low and to the near post leaving De Sanctis frozen in his position.
Roma seemed to have given up all hope early in the game and just two minutes later, lousy defending allowed Robert Lewandowski to redirect Juan Bernat’s cross straight into the back of the net. Roma manager Rudi Garcia was left with his jaw wide-open in disbelief at his side’s poor showing.
Bayern showed no mercy and continued to play with class rivaled by none. Robben’s spectacular run behind Cole was met by Lewandowskis’s even more impressive through ball, and Robben struck the ball hard at De Sanctis. The goalkeeper’s effort to stop the shot only saw the ball bounce right into the net, and De Sanctis could only watch helplessly.
Roma were not shown any mercy by the referee either as they conceded a penalty after Konstantinos Monolas’ hand hit David Alaba’s attempt to cut the ball back during his slide tackle inside the penalty box in the 36th minute. Thomas Muller stepped up to take it and was able to pick out a corner and hit it home. Down 5-0 to Bayern at the half, Roma had to know that there was no coming back in this match.
Second Half
The second-half saw Roma possess the ball just a bit more than they did at the half, but Bayern still played wonderfully throughout. Roma’s goal was to end Manuel Neuer’s incredible 750+ minute clean sheet streak with Bayern. Gervinho was Roma’s best attacker as he was able to get behind the defense a few times and create a scare in the box. One of his shots hit the post and two others were masterfully saved by Neuer as he showed why he is considered the best in the world at the moment.
Roma were finally able to pull one back in the 66th minute to end Neuer’s streak. Gervinho headed the ball home past Neuer, and although replays showed that Gervinho was just a hair off-side, it was missed by the assistant referee. That was never going to be enough to bring them back into the game.
Bayern were not done yet. Substitute Franck Ribery was found by Robben and Ribery did well to spot De Sanctis out of his box and chipped it over him. A great goal by the Frenchman and another mistake from the goalkeeper, who would have done better staying on the line.
Xherdan Shaqiri ended Bayern’s rampage as he found the back of the net just one minute after entering the match in the 80th. Rafinha fired a shot straight at De Sanctis, who was unable to hold on to the ball. Shaqiri reacted quickest of all, pushed the ball past De Sanctis, and was somehow able to bring the ball back and into the net.
Final Score
Bayern Munich 7-1 Roma
The home side will go away disappointed, but will need to regroup for their next Champions League match against the same opposition on the 5th of November. Gervinho showed some promising plays throughout the match. Roma fans will hope that he will be able to keep that form against other teams in Roma’s race against Juventus for the Scudetti.
Bayern showed that they are still one of the top teams in the world and will be looking to bring the Champions League trophy back to Germany. It was hard to tell who the man of this match was as it could have gone to any one of their players. Pep Guardiola will be pleased at this result and may be hoping to replicate it the next time these two sides meet.
Featured Image: Andrew Medichini/AP Images
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