Bayern strive for victory over Rome
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Bayern Munich's Thomas Mueller (kneeling) celebrates with his team mates after scoring a goal against AS Roma during their Champions League Group E soccer match in Munich September 15, 2010. [Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
Bundesliga record champion Bayern Munich earned a hard fought 2-0 victory against AS Rome at their UEFA Champions League opener on Wednesday.
The Bavarians needed one half time to crack Rome's tight defence thanks to the goals by Thomas Mueller and Mirsolav Klose during the second half.
Bayern started lethargic and sloppy whereas Rome showed no interest to stage an offensive action.
As the match progressed, Bayern controlled the match to let the ball do the work while Rome defended deep with ten men.
However, the German record champion failed to overcome the defensive play by Rome so that the first half ended unspectacular and goalless.
With the beginning of the second half, Bayern started aggressive to stage one-way soccer against passive Rome.
Finally, with 79 minutes into the match, Bayern youngster striker Thomas Mueller opened the scoring with a terrific shot from inside right penalty area into bottom left.
Only one-minute later Rome striker Borrellio had the chance to equalize the score after a one-on-one against Bayern goalkeeper Hans Joerg Butt, but Butt saved the neat 1-0 lead.
Striker Mirsolav Klose sealed the match in the 83rd minute for the Bavarians when he netted a freekick cross by defender Holger Badstuber, after he was fielded 14 minutes earlier.
"I think that the first half time was okay. We controlled the ball, which made Rome tired. Thus led to the our deserved two goals, but I think we should have scored a few more goals," Bayern head coach Louis van Gaal said after his fifth victory at the UEFA Champions League.
Bayern Munich stood at the first position in group E while AS Rome dropped fourth and last position.
