A Man On Form: Mario Gomez Hits The Winner Against Cluj.

Bayern Munich have all but secured their passage into the round of sixteen last night with a rather fortunate 3-2 win over Romanian side CFR Cluj. Two own goals and a Mario Gomez strike were just enough for Bayern Munich to pick up another three points, and the win, although slightly nervy, was more important than the performance.

Bayern Munich were fortunate enough to welcome Bastian Schweinsteiger back to the starting lineup, and Anatoliy Tymoschuk made his second start in a row in the center of defense.

Butt – Lahm, Tymoschuk, Badstuber, Pranjic – Schweinsteiger, Ottl – Mueller, Kroos, Altintop – Gomez

Anatoliy Tymoschuk, who was never able to establish himself in the center of midfield for the Bavarian giants, was used by Louis van Gaal in the center of defense because of the current injury crisis in the Bayern Munich camp. On the weekend against Hannover, where Die Roten kept a clean sheet and scored three of their own, Tymoschuk performed quite confidently. However, against Cluj, the Ukrainian was unfortunately not as composed as he should have been. Tymoschuk lost his marker for Cluj’s opener, and he was also at fault for Cluj’s late consolation. With van Buyten coming back to full fitness, the Ukrainian is likely going to take a spot back on the bench.

What’s most shocking, is that a recognized, established center-half in Martin Demichelis has been fit throughout this injury crisis, but van Gaal has opted not to play him. It looks almost certain that the Argentine hardman will be on his way out of Bavaria sooner rather than later.