Champions League Semi-Finals- Bayern v Lyon

The Allianz Arena is a unique stadium in many ways. For once, it can change colors (A fully illuminated exterior helps it do this at night!) and also it is home to Bayern Munich who have been one of the most formidable forces in Europe albeit whose powers have been waning even before their move to their new home. Hence, the champions league semi final clash between Bayern and Lyon was an experience which the old Bayern faithful had been used to year in year out, but has become a rarity in recent years with the memories of that famous 1999 final in Barcelona still lingering in the back of their minds. Only in Germany can we expect to see a spectacle that the start of this game presented then- about sixty thousand odd fans all dressed up to create the Bayern Munich livery all over the Allianz Arena which was bathed in red and white!!! Frankly, I for one have never seen an entire stadium create the logos of their team. needless to say, the atmosphere was electric.

Bayern, were without their captain and midfield general Mark van Bommel and also fielded a youngster by the name of Contento at left back. The french side fielded Toulalan in defence and Sissoko at Left Back. As expected, Bayern were taking the game to Lyon and were doing all the running. Bastian Schweinsteiger missed a free header after Hugo Lloris missed the corner from Ribery. Both Ribery and Ivica Olic failed to hit the target. Lyon finally got a shot on goal through a stinging 35 yard volley from Ederson.

The shocker (not so much if you look at the replays) was Ribery’s sending off just before half time. This saw Bayern lose a player for this and the next match when Lyon had some 5-6 players on yellows. The single man advantage did’t last too long after the break though when Lyon lost Toulalan due to his second yellow in 5 minutes. the second one seemed a bit harsh though. even with a man down though, the Germans were the ones attacking. But with parity restored, they went for the kill and Arjen Robbben came into his own. He created a couple of chances for Schweinsteiger who appeared to have decided not to finish on the night albeit he was doing a great job in midfield especially since the inception of Tymoschuk (or however you spell that) for Olic.

Eventually, Bayern got their reward and rightly through Robben who has been in great form this season(can see why Arsene Wenger was contemplating buying Real Madrid cast-offs). Although Sissoko seemed to have handled him pretty well on the left giving him very few opportunities to strike or cross, could immediately see how he was able to get his shot through once he drifted in field and the other defenders somehow could’t anticipate his movements as well as the left back.

Although as things stand, this was a good result for Bayern, they can be pretty annoyed about not scoring more. On the balance of things, this is still a very edgy tie and the next leg will promise a lot if not as much as the other tie. While many people take it for granted that the winner of the Barca-Inter tie will be eventual winners, it might not be a safe assumption anymore especially if Bayern are through. One, because they showed that they van hold the ball and have lot of players who can change a game especially their wingers (I am assuming Ribery will be back for the final if they make it). And two, they too are a formidable defensive unit, just look at the performances of Demichellis and van Buyten last night). With van Bommel, they form a decent outfit indeed. Although these performances came against Lyon, who ae not considered the best, they still are a team to be reckoned with are Bayern. They can stifle more creative opponents defensively and can have a go at will through their attack minded midfielders and wingers, hence not too vulnerable against either Barca or Inter.

Lets hope the second legs are as good as the first one and hope for a classic final!!!