Sandro Wagner doffed his imaginary cap after the final whistle. Full of gestures, he thanked the 40,000 spectators at the Vodafone Park for "an incredibly great experience," as he said. "Respect to the Turkish fans who kept getting behind their team and driving them forward. The whole stadium, not just the one end. I got goose bumps on the bench." However, the FCB striker will not only remember the away game at Besiktas for the incredible atmosphere.
Wagner scored his first Champions League goal in an FCB shirt 16 minutes after coming on in the middle of the second half. "I'm a bit of a has-been in football at the age of 30 – and now I've scored a goal in the Champions League. A great night," he said after the final whistle in commenting on his debut strike in Europe's premier club competition. "It makes me feel proud even though it's come very late in terms of age. But that doesn't bother me. Now I've scored a goal!"
With 84 minutes on the clock, Wagner chested a cross from David Alaba into the Besiktas net to make it 3-1 for FC Bayern. "He absolutely deserved it. He always puts in a whole-hearted performance and does everything to help the team," said Alaba about his team-mate. "He works really hard and gives his all," said Thomas Müller, "and it's always good when you can get your name on the scoresheet."
Wagner earns rewards
Wagner also received praise from Jupp Heynckes. "Sandro has fitted in brilliantly. He gets stuck into training and I'm very happy to see that," said the FCB head coach about the winter signing from Hoffenheim. "I'm happy he almost always scores when he comes on. That's reward for the effort he puts in on the training ground day after day."
Wagner has netted four goals in his eight appearances to date for FCB. That is not the only reason why the Munich-born forward feels right at home at FC Bayern. "There's a good atmosphere in the team. I haven't often experienced anything like that," he explained. With a smile, he recounted a simple explanation for his own performance: "Bayern Munich pay me a princely wage. So I have to put in a shift every day."
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