Morgan de Sanctis is already a hero in Naples, but he may have just cemented his reputation as a penalty-saving legend with a block against Mario Gomez early in this second half. Bayern Munich started the second period much as they did the first, and a long-range shot by Gomez was blocked by Paolo Cannavaro's back. The German team protested for a penalty, and nothing was given until ten seconds later when the referee changed his mind and awarded it.
Napoli Vs. Bayern Munich, 2011 UEFA Champions League: Morgan De Sanctis Saves Penalty
It was manifestly not a penalty - Cannavaro's upper arm was struck but it was by his side and the main impact happened on the centre half's back. Justice was done, however, when Gomez sent in a weak effort and de Sanctis was able to get down quickly to save and hold on. Bayern, however, are once again playing Napoli off the park here, and they really ought to have made it 2-1. Thomas Muller has just missed an open goal from about five yards out following a weird game of pinball inside the box, and Napoli have barely strung two passes together all half. 1-1 here, but has the penalty save merely postponed the inevitable?
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