Munich, Berlin, Germany (Weltexpress). Everything was arranged, in the stadium near Munich as well as in the „Hofbräu Berlin“ for the second leg of the Champions League between the FC Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
Original „Wiener Schnitzel“ (has to be calf!) with Bavarian potato salad and cranberries as well as „Tiroler Kässpätzle“ (noodles) with salad stood on the table, in addition beer like the „Hofbräu Original“, and „Hofbräu wheat beer“. The conditions were perfect and also in Munich the lawn was not only green, but also was well watered. The fact that the lawn has been too dull, had been deplored after the 1:0 defeat against Atletico in Madrid, of course by the Bavarians.
After the initial seesaw with two long-range shots of Gabi for Atletico (6. and 15). and a header by Robert Lewandowski for Bayern (11). the thrilling match calmed down and the host took over control. Ball losses became ball control, but only a standard situation lead to a goal (31). Besides, the shooter had a lot of fortune. The free kick kicked by Xabi Alonso was deflected by Jose Gimenez so that the ball was indefensible for goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
The once more outstanding goalie held shots of Lewandowski (21). and a penalty rather weakly shot by Thomas Müller (34). But no further goals were shot by neither side.
After the half time break the Bavarians pressed further and nearly with all players, but neglected more and more their defense. A perfect pass of the experienced and cleverly playing Fernando Torres on his storm partner Antoine Griezmann was decisive: The french forward ran up to Manuel Neuer and the FCB goalkeeper had no chance (53)…
The „Bayern“ were obviously shocked, also the guests in the Hofbräu Berlin, while the audience in Munich looked operetta-like, apart from the unswerved Ultras, the bigmouths…At the latest when Lewandowski shot once more, but Oblak held, this phase was over (70). Then, a cross by Alaba, was transferred by „Air Vidal“ with the head to Lewandowski who’s header meant the 2:1 lead (74).
“Bayern” pressed again for another goal, however, Atletico defended and countered strongly. A professional foul by Martínez on Torres scarcely before the penalty box was moved into it by referee Cüneyt Cakir from Turkey. The fouled shot himself, he could already have sealed it all, nevertheless, he shot badly like Müller before and thus the ball was an easy prey for Munich goalie Manuel Neuer(84). Whatever the Bavarians tried in the last five (plus five overtime) minutes – it failed.
Game data: 12:2 corners and 34:7 shots on goal and a lot of ball possession for the bavarian side. For the third time in succession the FC Bayern failed in the Champions League semi-final.
Now some Bavarian fans in exile, so those in the „Hofbräu Berlin“ to whom we could speak after the match, hope that the new italian coach of the FC Bayern Munich, Carlo Ancelotti, will less emphasise on ball possession and more on a strong defense and effectiveness.
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Hofbräu Berlin, Karl-Liebknecht Strasse 30, 10178 Berlin, book by phone 030/679 665 520 or by e-mail to: reservierung@berlin-hofbraeu.de
Opening times: week days 10 am to midnight, saturdays longer
