Wembley Stadium was electric. London has been buzzing with football fever all month. 90,000 German fans packed Wembley to witness history as we know it on May 25, 2013. Two of the biggest clubs in Germany were ready to do battle on Europe’s biggest stage. It was a night to remember for German football as well as global football as we know it. FC Bayern Munich defeated Bundesliga rivals, Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in a triumphant victory that finally put their ghosts of the previous final defeats to bed. At the end of the evening, it turned out to be Arjen Robben’s goal that made the difference.
The match started off with high intensity and pressing from Dortmund. From the beginning, Bayern didn’t look too threatening and seemed to be content with letting Dortmund press high up the pitch. It was a battle between goalkeepers in the first half. With both Neuer and Weidenfeller making crucial saves to keep one another respectively off of the scoreboard. The match started to settle down as the 45th minute drew near. Dortmund and Bayern went into the dressing rooms scoreless 0-0. This was turning out to be the most evenly matched Champions League final since Moscow, 2008 between Manchester United and Chelsea. Rumors and questions started to fly on social networking as fans and players alike wondered if we would see another Moscow finish on penalties?
In the second half, Bayern came to life a bit more and started to move up the field more than they did during the start of the game. They made no substitutions but it was clear that they were starting to make Dortmund uncomfortable at the back. The breakthrough came in the 60th minute with a lovely pass from Arjen Robben to Mario Mandžukić. Bayern lead 1-0 as half of Wembley, clad in red and white went through the roof. Dortmund could still calm nerves and get an equalizer which is what they continued to strive for after the opening goal. Dortmund got their break only 8 minutes later. Bayern’s Dante, who was already on one yellow card from the first half, foolishly kneed Dortmund’s Reus in the chest inside the box. A clear second yellow, but the ref did not call it. It should have been a straight red decision, in my opinion. Gundogan was taking the penalty because Lewandowski had one saved by Neuer a few weeks ago and sealed it home for Dortmund in the 68th minute. The black and yellow side of Wembley erupts as Dortmund are back in the match! It was shaping up to be a final 30 minutes to remember.
As fans and players geared up for extra time, Bayern got their big break in the 89th minute. Robben managed to break free from the Dortmund defense and snag a low shot past Weidenfeller. Half of Wembley erupts once more as Dortmund hearts were shattered to pieces. With only 3 minutes of stoppage time, it was all but over in London. With one minute left, the fans began to sing and cheer as the moment was inching ever so closely. Bayern could taste it. The final whistle sounds as Bayern Munich are crowned the 2013 Champions of Europe! It was the 5th and well deserved crown for the Bavarian giants who were undoubtedly the best team in Europe this season. Dortmund hearts were broken as the black and yellow faithful stayed to thank their club for a magnificent season.
Bayern Munich can only improve and try to repeat what they’ve done this season in the 2014 Champions League as Barcelona legend Pep Guardiola is set to take the reins in July. Can Guardiola keep this team moving right along at this current pace? It’s hard to say. As for right now, Munich is celebrating their heroes of Germany and rightfully so. I want to congratulate the fans and organization of Bayern Munich on an incredible season of enjoyable football. I’d also like to congratulate Borussia Dortmund on an incredible run that can only be described as a fairy tale for everyone associated with their organization. Congratulations to both and best of luck in next year’s tournament.
Barça Vanguard 
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