Arjen Robben wasted several chances, but snatched Bayern Munich’s last-minute 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund to lift the Champions League. It's their first triumph in 12 years and a fitting send-off for manager Jupp Heynckes.
Arjen Robben wasted several chances, but snatched Bayern Munich’s last-minute 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund to lift the Champions League. It's their first triumph in 12 years and a fitting send-off for manager Jupp Heynckes.
Bayern were going into their third European Final in four years and won the Bundesliga by a huge 25-point margin ahead of BVB. Dortmund were also without injured striker Mario Gotze, who has already signed on for a Munich move next season. There was some Italian involvement, as referee Nicola Rizzoli was officiating at Wembley with assistants Renato Faverani, Andrea Stefani, Gianluca Rocchi and Paolo Tagliavento.
Manuel Neuer fingertipped a Robert Lewandowski screamer over the bar after 13 minutes, as Borussia got off to a strong start. Moments later, Marco Reus pulled back from the by-line for Jakub Blaszczykowski and forced a tough save out of Neuer.
Reus went on the counter and stung Neuer’s gloves at the near post and Sven Bender didn’t get enough power behind a shot straight at the Bayern goalkeeper.
Bayern finally emerged from their shell and Mario Mandzukic’s header was fingertipped on to the crossbar by Roman Weidenfeller. From that corner, Javi Martinez nodded on to the roof of the net.
Arjen Robben was totally clear on goal after springing the offside trap, but aimed an attempted chip straight at the on-rushing goalkeeper to waste a golden opportunity.
Lewandowski also went clear, but Neuer was quick off his line to block the shot at his feet. Robben fluffed another great chance before half-time, taking advantage of a Mats Hummels error only to boot the ball into Weidenfeller’s face from point-blank range.
It was Bayern Munich who eventually broke the deadlock on the hour mark. Robben got to the by-line from Franck Ribery’s pass and drew out Weidenfeller, rolling across the goal for Mandzukic to tap into an empty net from six yards.
Borussia Dortmund were given a chance to get back into it thanks to an extremely clumsy Dante foul on Reus, effectively kicking him in the stomach. Ilkay Gundogan took the responsibility from the spot and sent Neuer the wrong way, the penalty drawing this Final level.
Moments later, Hummels ballooned over the bar on the counter, then Muller had gone round Weidenfeller and sent the angled drive towards an empty net before Neven Subotic sprinted back for a last-gasp goalline clearance.
Lewandowski had the ball in the net with a lob from midfield, but play had been stopped for a handling offence.
David Alaba’s screamer was punched away by Weidenfeller. Muller lost his balance under pressure from Subotic and Mandzukic hit the side-netting.
Weidenfeller pushed a fierce Bastian Schweinsteiger strike over the bar, but it was only a warning.
Bayern snatched victory in the final minute when Robben burst between the centre-backs on to a Ribery pass and slipped a smart disguised finish across the goalkeeper.
This sets up an intriguing European Super Cup between Bayern Munich – who will be managed by Pep Guardiola – and Chelsea under Jose Mourinho.
Borussia Dortmund 1-2 Bayern Munich
Scorers: Mandzukic 60 (BM), Gundogan pen 68 (BD), Robben 89 (BM)
Borussia Dortmund: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Bender (Sahin 91), Gundogan; Blaszczykowski, Reus, Grosskreutz; Lewandowski
Bayern Munich: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Dante, Alaba; Javi Martinez, Schweinsteiger; Robben, Muller, Ribery (Luiz Gustavo 90); Mandzukic
Ref: Rizzoli (ITA)