Popping up in the right place at the right time is a special skill – and it describes Javi Martínez’s playing style very well. The Spaniard, who is comfortable in midfield or in defence, just knows where things are happening. That was particularly evident in the UEFA Super Cup against Chelsea on 30 August 2013.
Martínez with last-minute equaliser
David Alaba crossed the ball into the box in the 121st minute of the match, and suddenly the ball fell at the feet of Martínez. He had the presence of mind to slot the ball into the net from five metres, making it 2-2 and sending the game into penalties in the dying seconds. Pep Guardiola’s side demonstrated strong nerves in the shootout, securing the title and small revenge for defeat in the ‘Finale dahoam’ a year earlier.
Bayern equalise twice
The meeting in Prague was a rollercoaster ride, similar to the Champions League final in the previous year. It was end to end for long periods, with chances for both sides. Bayern fell behind after just eight minutes but Franck Ribéry levelled things up in the 47th minute. In extra time, the reigning Champions League holders again conceded early.
Lively Martínez
From that point on, though, Bayern piled on the pressure and Martínez was at the heart of it. The Spaniard set up both Mario Mandžukić and Xherdan Shaqiri in brilliant fashion, but both were denied by the impressive Petr Čech in the Chelsea goal – as was Martínez himself. But with time running out, the Basque was once again in the right place to score, to the delight of the Bayern fans.
Matches against Chelsea always offer great excitement. A look back:
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