The Agony Of Losing On The Away Goals Rule

I’ve never been a big fan of the away goals rule because it seems like an odd rule that exists only as a cruel and unusual punishment to knock a losing team out of a cup tournament. But the match between Manchester United and Bayern Munich was a perfect example of how well it can work and how it adds an important subtext to a game that is already filled with numerous plot lines.

When Manchester United was leading 3-1 against Bayern Munich, the team was cruising. A fourth goal seemed inevitable but there was also the fear that if Bayern could unseemingly get a second goal, then the match would sway in the German’s favor.

And that’s exactly what happened. Arjen Robben scored an absolutely inch-perfect goal through the tightest of spaces to make the scoreline 3-2 to Manchester United. With the game tied on aggregate but Bayern Munich having the advantage because of scoring more away goals, the pressure was then on United to score a goal with 10 minutes to go. Alas it didn’t come, and Robben’s goal ended up sending Manchester United crashing out of the Champions League. And, at the same time, to send the final Premier League team out of the tournament.

Who said away goals isn’t exciting?