Champions League Europe — 26 May 2013

Bayern Munich lift the Champions League trophyBayern Munich defeated arch-rivals Dortmund 2-1 in the Champions League final last night to claim their fifth European Cup.

Dortmund came out of the blocks quicker than their Bavaria opponents did.

Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer had to make a stop from a powerful Robert Lewandowski effort, before denying Jakub Blaszczykowski with a fine save from a low near post effort. Marco Reus and Sven Bender were also denied by the Germany number one.

Bayern had their first meaningful effort on 27 minutes, as Roman Weidenfeller produced an acrobatic save from a Mario Mandzukic header. Javi Martinez then headed wide from the corner kick.

Weidenfeller then blocked an Arjen Robben effort after the Dutch winger had burst into the Dortmund box. Neuer repeated the trick by denying Lewandowski for a second time. Weidenfeller denied Robben for a second time, this time blocking the Dutchman’s effort with his face.

Bayern took the lead on 60 minutes. Arjen Robben got behind the Dortmund defence, drew Weidenfeller out of his goal and found striker Mario Mandzukic who tapped home into an empty net.

Dortmund was level just seven minutes later. Dante hacked at Marco Reus and referee Nicola Rizzoli pointed to the spot. Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan stepped up and made no mistake from the spot.

Bayern looked set to take the lead when Thomas Muller broke beyond the Dortmund defence and fired in a cross for Robben, only for Neven Subotic to make a last-ditch tackle. Weidenfeller then produced a superb save from a fantastic long-range effort from David Alaba.

The Dortmund keeper also denied Bastian Schweinsteiger. With the game looking to be heading for extra-time Bayern found the winning goal. Franck Ribery back-heeled a ball through the Dortmund defence, Robben shimmied past one tackle and then rolled the ball past Weidenfeller in the Dortmund goal.

The 89th minute goal was enough to clinch the victory for Bayern and keep the dream alive of an unprecedented treble.

Did Bayern Munich deserve to win the Champions League?

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David Nugent

David is a 29 year-old football fan and journalist, who is passionate about the beautiful game. He is a lifelong supporter of Premier League Everton and likes nothing better than a healthy discussion about the world's favourite sport.

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