Bayern Munich went into Rome knowing that their spot in the round of sixteen had already been booked. Still, they would have wanted to avoid what ended up happening at all costs. The visiting Germans held a two-goal lead at half-time thanks to Mario Gomez, who has been in stunning form this season. Louis van Gaal will have warned his side against complacency, and the Dutch tactician will be furious at his side’s abrupt capitulation.
After the break, Roma came out bursting with energy. The Stadio Olimpico roared it’s warriors forward, and just four minutes after half-time, Roma were back in it. Marco Borriello finished sweetly after a dashing run from Jeremy Menez and put Bayern Munich on the back foot. Nine minutes from time, it was Daniele De Rossi who found himself on the end of a John Arne Riise cross and tapped the ball into the back of the net. With Roma pulling level, it was almost inevitable that they would find a late winner. Just three minutes later, it was Francesco Totti who stole the show. After Borriello was brought down in the box, the legendary captain stepped up to the spot and duly slotted home.
The Roman crowd erupted, and the German champions were defeated. Still, they didn’t need the win and Roma did, so it’s a good result for the neutral. Now, Roma just need a single point from their last match to secure qualification. Bayern Munich, on the other hand, are still safe and qualified. Louis van Gaal will not be worried about the result, but he will be worried about the manner of the result. Just as Bayern Munich seemed to be hitting full speed domestically, this Roman riot happened. The Dutch tactician will be wary of the effect of this result on the side heading into this weekend, where it is imperative that Bayern Munich continue to pick up maximum points.
