It is difficult to say how many times that short phrase "of all people" has been used in the history of football - and yet it is always used to tell the best stories. Like the evening at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, when it was Javi Martínez, of all people, who came off the bench to score the winner for Bayern in their 2-1 extra-time victory to win the UEFA Super Cup. Just as he had done seven years earlier.
"This is a dream. It was like 2013, when I scored then too," the Spaniard said, beaming after the game. Back then, in 2013, in the clash against Chelsea FC, his extra-time stoppage time goal equalised the game and saved his Munich team, who would later win on penalties. This time, he was even able to win the team the game by scoring the golden goal in the 104th minute. "It is of course a great story that our Mr Super Cup, Javi Martínez, comes into the side and scores the goal," said Thomas Müller. "That was really something special. It made me happy for him."
Bayern struggled for a long time against the Andalusians’ resolute defence. Bayern had the better chances but it finished 1-1 after normal time, which is why coach Hansi Flick brought on Martínez after 98 minutes. “We can always trust him. He gives 100 percent whenever we need him,” the 55-year-old explained after the final whistle, underlining the two-time treble winner’s qualities: “He’s a player who wins matches thanks to his experience and thanks to his mentality, as he showed today.”
This attitude is a matter of course for Martínez: “I try to give everything, 100 percent, whenever I wear the FC Bayern jersey, I showed that today,” the European and world champion said. “Doesn't matter if I play 10 minutes or 15, I always try to help the team, and today I helped with a goal.” It was all the more beautiful that his goal sealed the German record champions’ second UEFA Super Cup triumph.
If you can’t remember the moment from 2013, click here:
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