Bayern Munich vs. Arsenal

1-1, Champions League, Allianz Arena, 11 March 2014
Podolski 57

Even though the game was more or less already decided due to the result of the first clash, we did go out in the right way with this display, even though it obviously wasn't enough.

Bayern Munich were solid throughout the game, posing constant threats to our defense while we looked to grab a goal (or two) ourselves. Schweinsteiger had a shot on target within the first five minutes, but it was comfortably dealt with by Fabianski, standing in as 'keeper due to Szczesny's red card in the previous game.
   The main man going forward for us was, unexpectedly, Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox has been in immaculate form recently and will certainly prove important for the league run-in and the FA Cup semi-final (and hopefully final). The first we got to see of him in this game was as he surged forward, resulting in a defender bringing him down harshly, which, in turn, led to a free-kick and booking.
   Bayern Munich did score in the first half, fortunately it was a clear offside and the goal was not given. Mere minutes later the Ox surged forward again with an astounding solo run, containing plenty of dribbling in order to get past the defenders, but he was eventually felled and a free-kick was given. That free-kick was taken by Cazorla and hit the wall, and in the resulting corner Giroud got a header on target, but it was saved by Neuer.
   The half was concluded with a brilliant save by Fabianski as Götze fired a fast-paced shot on target.

At the start of the second half Robben fell easily in the box, shouting for a penalty, but nothing was given. Unfortunately it only took about four minutes after that penalty-shout before they actually got the lead, which inevitably ended much of whatever hope that was left for us. The space in front of the goal completely opened up for Schweinsteiger, leaving Fabianski quite helpless.
   Somehow that seemed to ignite a spark within (or maybe it was just pure luck) but two minutes after that goal we grabbed one ourselves! And once again it was a German player who scored it! Lukas Podolski smashed the ball into the back of the net after winning the ball from Lahm! That goal did give us some hope, however futile, and the following minute the Ox had a shot on target, from outside the box, saved by Neuer.
   But Fabianski had to remain vigilant till the very end, however unfortunate that was for us. Robben had an effort that he had to save with fifteen minutes to go, and then during the added time he had to face a penalty! Robben was brought down in the box and the ref gave the penalty this time around. Müller stepped up to take the penalty, but Fabianski produced an amazing save, somehow leaving the ball spinning on the goal-line to his left! So he threw himself back across the goal and poked it clear before any on-rushing Munich player could teach it! Astounding goalkeeping!

But going into this game we knew that goalkeeping alone would not save us, and we have to face being eliminated in the first knock-out stage yet again. It is quite disappointing, obviously, but not altogether unexpected and all we can do now is be sure to bring home the FA Cup trophy and have a decent finish to the league.