Spirited Bayern show true colours

There was no denying Bayern’s intent to make the impossible a reality at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening. Jürgen Klinsmann energetically prowled the touchline, the team beavered away on the field, and the crowd showered their heroes with red and white confetti. “We had a little dream at the back of our minds: What might happen if we scored early, and maybe got another before half-time?” the coach mused..

The miniscule germ of hope seemed set to blossom after just five minutes, when José Sosa sent over a gem of a cross towards the unmarked Luca Toni’s head. “If Luca had scored, it might have turned interesting,” reflected Uli Hoeneß. But ifs and buts don’t score goals: Toni misjudged his header, the chance went begging, and there was no miracle. Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final second leg meant the Spaniards progress to the semi-finals 5-1 on aggregate, but the Bayern camp was far from dissatisfied afterwards.