Bayern’s road to the final in Madrid (4)

Luck on their side

Bayern entered the knock-out stages of the Champions League transformed from their earlier struggle for form – and perhaps as importantly, enjoying a healthy slice of good fortune. That much was clear from the goal that won the home leg against Fiorentina in the round of 16. After Arjen Robben’s 45th minute penalty was cancelled out by an equaliser from Per Kroldrup five minutes after the interval, all Bayern’s efforts to force a winner seemed in vain – until, a minute before the end, Olic found Miroslav Klose in a position that looked suspiciously offside, but the German international striker’s goal was allowed to stand.

In Florence’s Artemio Franchi Stadium three weeks later, Juan Vargas gave the home side a 28th-minute lead, before the game was decided in an unforgettable 11-minute second-half spell. When Stevan Jovetic scored a second for Fiorentina in the 54th minute, Bayern were in danger of slipping out of the competition, but six minutes later Van Bommel’s long-distance drive levelled the tie on aggregate. In the 64th minute Jovetic’s second goal roused the home fans to a frenzy, but they were silenced less than 60 seconds later as Robben went on a mazy run before curling his shot into the corner of the net from 30 metres out, clinching victory for Bayern on away goals despite a 3-2 defeat on the night.

Source: FC Bayern