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Bayern Munich scraped through to the last eight of the Champions League after a thrilling encounter with Fiorentina. While Fiorentina went all guns blazing and looked like the better side for most part of the two legged encounter, the luck and the stars shined on the German side. iSporter Chirag Mansukhani reviews the action.

It was another one of those magical European nights in Florence as the Viola and the German giants Bayern put on a tremendous show of their razzle-dazzle football while the coaches traded tactical blows. In a night that ended in utter despair for the hosts Arjen Robbens’ long range effort sealed a last eight spot for Bayern Munich.

This match was nothing short of a Greek play and included everything in what can only be described as an action packed nail biting thriller with drama at the very end. Yes, this football match had it all.

Fiorentina started the night strongly when Juan Vargas scored the opening goal for the Viola putting some pressure on Bayern. Things only got worse for the German powerhouse a little later when Stevan Jovetic put Fiorentina two up on the night and ahead in the tie.

Fiorentina clearly outplayed Bayern but it was not to be. The German giants clawed their way back into the tie with a goal from Van Bommel only to find the Viola retaliate in quick succession with another Jovetic goal.

The drama though was far from over as the Germans had yet another trick up their sleeve in the form of Arjen Robben. He struck an absolute beauty from long range that silenced the crowd at Florence. It was eventually the strike that would see Bayern through to the last eight.

For Fiorentina it was heartbreak as I think it was fair to say they had been robbed. They played some spectacular football through out the tie and were unlucky to have a Klose goal count when he was miles offside in the previous leg. Further, in this game they clearly outplayed Bayern and in my opinion were the better side.

Fiorentina came out winners’ on the night 3-2, but that was not enough to stop Bayern as the match aggregate ended 4-4 with Bayern going through on away goals. My heart goes out to the Viola who have risen to the occasion and played some amazing Champions league football even though their Serie A season isn’t going as one would have liked.

As for Bayern they live to fight another day, as they move to the last eight of the Champions league. This team certainly has the grit and the determination to win this tournament. After all, they stuck it out in this grueling game. I suppose when you have so many match winners in your side its those few seconds of brilliance that make a difference. Arjen Robben once again proved to be the difference as Bayern march on. 

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