MUNICH: The defending champions, Bayern Munich ruined Manchester United’s hopes of progressing to the semi-finals of the Champions League after a thrilling tie in Munich which ended 3-1 to the hosts.
After a cagey opening half in which neither side managed a shot on target, Patrice Evra gave United hopes of a famous victory by rifling a fierce shot into the top corner to put his side ahead early in the second half.
But United fans had barely finished celebrating before Mario Mandzukic had nipped ahead of Evra to head Bayern level, United’s lead lasting only 23 seconds.
Less than 10 minutes later and Bayern were further ahead, Thomas Mueller stealing in front of Nemanja Vidic to convert Arjen Robben’s accurate cross for his fifth goal in 10 matches.
United’s job was still clear as another goal would send them through, but the excellent Robben then turned scorer, cutting in from the right to drill past David de Gea via a slight deflection off Vidic’s studs that may have aided his cause.
Bayern now go into Friday’s draw with the dream of defending their crown still very much alive whilst United fans are left to ponder what could be a lengthy spell out of the competition.
