Carlo Ancelotti promised a feast of football and the two teams certainly delivered. The 42,558 fans in Leizpig witnessed a game like no other this season. Nine goals, four shots against the woodwork and a winner in stoppage time. Thomas Müller spoke afterwards of an “incredible game”, for Robert Lewandowski it was “unbelievable” and Carlo Ancelotti described the match simply as “mad”.
FCB got off to the worst possible start. The hosts took the lead in only the second minute through Marcel Sabitzer – the second-quickest goal that Bayern have ever conceded in the Bundesliga. Robert Lewandowski equalised with a coolly converted penalty in the 17th minute after a handball but Timo Werner put Leipzig back in front on 29 minutes, again from the penalty spot.
Arjen delivers killer blow
Yussuf Poulsen extended the Bulls’ lead shortly after the break, but Bayern weren’t going to take this lying down. The visitors threw everything forward and reduced the deficit in the 60th minute through Thiago. That goal lifted the team and they pushed for an equaliser but it was Leipzig who scored next as Werner restored their two-goal advantage.
That was the trigger for a crazy final period. Lewandowski made it 4-3 in the 84th minute with his 30th league goal of the season, and David Alaba then drew Bayern level in the first minute of added time with a perfect free-kick that Péter Gulácsi could only stand and watch. FCB weren’t finished yet, though, and Arjen Robben crowned a sensational comeback. The Dutchman embarked on a solo run five minutes into stoppage time, leaving two defenders in his wake before lifting the ball over the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Ruthless will to win
“We did it the hard way but obviously it was nice. It’s an endorsement of our season. At 4-2 no one would’ve expected us to beat Leipzig and yet we did,” said the delighted match-winner. “We were determined to turn it round,” commented Müller, who racked up his 12th assist of the season with the pass that set Robben on his way.
Despite the bad start, Ancelotti was full of praise for his side after the final whistle. “This team has a winning mentality. No one wants to lose and that’s what the Bayern shirt means. The players showed superb character.” And all this came in a match in which there was nothing to play for. Bayern were already confirmed as champions and Leipzig had all but secured second place.
“Both teams wanted to show that they’re the best. That made for a fierce and passionate game,” described Müller. It was the game that everyone had expected and hoped for beforehand: an absolute feast of football!
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