For a brief moment Manchester United fans had hope of producing a famous victory over the holders in Munich.
It lasted less than a minute.
Bayern Munich quickly dashed all hopes with a convincing 3-1 victory to advance to the Champions League semifinals.
Following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, David Moyes was looking for his men to produce a memorable result against the Bundesliga side – much like their famous comeback in the 1999 final.
But they spent the entire first half keeping the hosts at bay as the Germans launched wave after wave of attack. Pep Guardiola’s club dominated possession while United managed just one shot the entire half. Wayne Rooney, playing with an injured toe, looked very ineffective.
The match turned in the second half when Patrice Evra blasted a half-volley into the top corner of the net to give United the lead – both in the match and on aggregate. But the visitors had very little time (23 seconds to be exact) to celebrate as Mario Mandzukic would even the score.
Bayern Munich would find themselves in front less than ten minutes later when Thomas Mueller converted Arjen Robben’s cross. Still, one more goal from United would be enough to see them through to the semifinals on away goals.
But United never looked like they were capable of a second goal, as they were simply outclassed by the holders. Munich continued to dominate the match and it was only fitting that Robben (who was best player on the field last night) got the third and final goal.
The holders move on, their quest to retain their trophy very much alive. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s poor form in the English Premier League means that they will likely miss the Champions League next season.
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