Bayern Munich have carried the momentum from their 7-1 league thrashing of Hoffenheim over to the UEFA Champions League, and they’re currently taking FC Basel to the woodshed. The opening goal that they needed to get back into the tie came on a lucky bounce, but their second goal of the first half was pure quality. That seemed to shatter Basel’s belief, and they fell apart to let in a third. Bayern lead 3-0 at halftime of the second leg, and 3-1 in the tie.
Bayern Munich Vs. FC Basel, 2012 UEFA Champions League: Halftime Score, Bavarians Piling It On
Arjen Robben scored the opener 10 minutes in after an attempted pass into the box took a wicked deflection, popped up in the air and dropped into the box. That deflection and change in trajectory caused Robben to look offside in real time when he was actually onside by a wide margin. Left one-on-one with Yann Sommer, Robben finished easily to tie up the score on aggregate. Mario Gomez was denied on a close-range backheel attempt just two minutes later. It looked like a rout was on.
Incredibly, Basel fought back. The next half-hour was fairly even, with Basel creating some great chances on the counter. Eventually, they would concede in the 41st minute, when Thomas Müller netted on a spectacular half-volley from an extremely narrow angle, assisted by Robben. That led to the third goal, a tap-in by Gomez in the 44th minute after a set piece.
It seems extremely unlikely that Basel will be able to score twice without conceding in the next 45 minutes. Crazier things have happened, but it would be a very surprising comeback. Bayern should be able to coast into the quarterfinals.
For more on the Bavarians, head to The Offside Bayern Munich.
See More:
