Fabio Capello could not use Beckham and Reyes in Munich, and perhaps because of this, he applied the 4-3-3 set up for the first time in the season. The Italian’s intention was, apparently, to force the Gago – Diarra – Emerson triad to stifle all Munich’s attacking initiatives in the bud. From the attacking trinity was required, apparently, to stretch the defense of the “Bavaria” and, regularly changing places, mislead it.
However, all these considerations were relevant for only a few moments. In the first seconds of the match, Hassan Salihamidžić robbed Roberto Carlos, made a corporate breakthrough on the right flank and shot into the penalty area. The game in those parts is the element of Roy Makai, which the Dutchman proved once again. Casillas was powerless. 1-0 at the 11th second!
The amused melody, which began to play after the goal in the stadium, accurately reflected the instantly changed mood of Ottmar Hitzfeld. A quick goal must have been part of his plans, but the players even managed to exceed the target. The match seemed to have begun with the score 1-0 in favor of the hosts - everything turned upside down.
Capello's cunning plan went to dust. The camera grabbed his thoughtful gaze, in which confusion was read easily. In the same state were the players of Real Madrid. They rushed messily to recoup and not only did not succeed, but also missed a couple of swift counterattacks. Treat Podolsky and Mackay to your chances more responsibly, the score in the first half could become devastating.
Having selected the advantage, the Bavarians began to protect it, like an exquisite jewel. Maintaining an account under General Ottmar at all times was a success.
Having recovered from the shock of the first minutes, Capello sent Guti, Cassano and Robinho to warm up. The Spaniard was the first on the field and at the end of the first half he missed the opportunity to equalize. The Bavarians continued to defend exemplarily, not allowing the opponent to create anything else really dangerous.
The second joker of Capello was Cassano, who replaced the Argentine Higuain during the break. The Italian introduced himself to the public not in the best way - having received a good opportunity for a shot, he sent the ball well above the goal.
For the time being, the game has become rather boring. Real Madrid continued to look for a chance, and Bayern diligently complicated the search for Madrid. However, after the 67th minute, the Spaniards moved much more lively.
Roberto Carlos and Sergio Ramos almost made a penalty at their goal, but the referee found the game hand of one of them unintentional and appointed a corner. The Munichers were furious because of the failed 11 meters. And the Brazilian Lucio with an accurate head-hit sublimated the anger of partners in the second goal. Jumping above everyone with his growth is not a problem. 2-0. The hugs of Hennes and Hitzfeld at that moment looked incredibly moving. As a reconciliation of best friends who quarreled the day before over a mere trifle ...
The attacking actions of Madrid gained a completely hysterical hue. Real Madrid needed to score twice. Capello continued to believe in miracles and released Robinho instead of Gago. It was the Brazilian who stepped up with Cassano and returned the match a semblance of intrigue. In the 80th minute, their perezasovka provoked a foul by Lucio and the appointment of a penalty.
However, Rud van Nistelrooy had to postpone the execution of punishment. Van Bommel and Diarra began to push around like basketball players under a shield, for which they received a yellow card. For both, the warnings were second.
In the meantime, van Nistelrooy calmly scored a penalty. 2: 1. In the 90th minute, Sergio Ramos with a brilliant long-range shot once again hit Caen's goal, but before the ball fell into his hand.
The first winner of the Champions League of the XXI century goes further, and Fabio Capello will have to reflect on the justification of another failure.
BAVARIA Germany - REAL Spain - 2: 1 (1: 0)
Goal: 1: 0 - Makaay (1), 2: 0 - Lusio (67), 2: 1 - Van Nistelrooy (83, penalty).
BAVARIA: Caen, Sagnol (Gerlitz, 85), Lucio, van Beiten, Mackay (Pizarro, 69), Podolski (Demichelis, 88), van Bommel, Salihamidžić, Lam, Hargreaves, Schweinsteiger.
REAL: Casillas, Roberto Carlos, Sergio Ramos, Diarra, Raul, Emerson (Guti, 32), Gago (Robinho, 76), Van Nistelrooy, Higuain (Cassano, 46), Elgera, Curro Torres.
Warnings: Sergio Ramos (8), van Bommel (25), Podolski (45), Guti (56), Diarra (61).
Removal: van Bommel (82, second warning), Diarra (82, second warning).
March 7th. Munich. "Munich Arena".
Judge: Lubos Michel (Slovakia).
The first match - 2: 3.