Bayern Munich The 5 Time Champions

Winning the UEFA Champions League is akin to conquering Mount Everest. Winning Europe’s top prize in club football 5 times is an extraordinary accomplishment that puts a club into legendary status. If they weren’t already, Bayern Munich have now cemented their status as a legendary club.

The Bavarians won their fifth European trophy with a thrilling 2-1 victory over German rivals Borussia Dortmund before a spellbound crowd at London’s Wembley Stadium. This is Bayern’s first Champions League title since 2001. They also won three straight titles in 1974, 1975 and 1976.

The match itself started somewhat slowly for Die Roten. Possession was in favour of Borussia Dortmund as they dictated the pace and flow in the first 20 minutes. Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer was brilliant between the sticks for Bayern, making critical saves on Jakub Blaszczykowski and Sven Bender.

Bayern’s first scoring opportunity happened in the 26th minute as Mario Mandzukic’s header was tipped over the bar by Dortmund keeper Roman Weidenfeller, who also was terrific in net for Dortmund.

Bayern continued their attacking ways as Arjen Robben beat the offside trap and broke through all alone on Weidenfeller, who made a wonderful save to keep the match level. Robben had one more chance before the first half but his point-blank shot found Weidenfeller’s face instead of the net. It may have stung the Dortmund keeper, but his teammates were relieved the game remained scoreless at the intermission.

The restart continued on the same trend as the first half ended. Bayern carrying the play, but at times being vulnerable to the dangerous Dortmund counter-attack. Finally right on the hour mark, Bayern broke through as Mandzukic finished off Robben’s low cross, after some quality service from Franck Ribery in the midfield.

With the first goal now counted for, it opened up the game and Borussia Dortmund responded. Only nine minutes later, Dortmund were rewarded with a penalty as Dante’s clumsy challenge on Marco Reus was correctly spotted by Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli. Ilkay Gundogan calmly stepped up and sent Neuer the wrong way from the spot, to level the score.

Bayern was feeling the pressure and pushed forward. Thomas Muller raced down the right flank and moved past Weidenfeller just outside the 18 yard box. Muller’s cross was almost certain to go in, until Neven Subotic slid across to sweep the ball off the goal line, just as Robben was about to make sure the ball found the back of the net. Not long after that, David Alaba left foot thumped one towards the goal, where Weidenfellen dove across to punch it away.

Finally in the 89th minute, Bayern found their glory. It started with Bastian Schweinsteiger showing some patience in the midfield. Schweinsteiger then let Jerome Boateng take charge of the procedings. His ball found Ribery, whose slight back heel was just enough to spring Robben through who slightly mishit the ball, but it was enough to freeze Weidenfellen and ripple the net to give Bayern Munich the title.

This win was especially gratifying for Bayern as they had lost the two times they appeared in the Champions League Final. In 2010, Ribery was suspended and Bayern were vanquished by Inter Milan. Last year, Bayern hosted the Final at their home stadium, Allianz Arena. However, it was Chelsea who came away with the silverware on penalties. In fact it was Robben who missed a penalty in extra time that ended up costing Bayern the title. So not only was this game redemption for Bayern, it was redemption for Robben who has been accused in the past of choking in the big game.

For Dortmund, while this was a heartbreaking defeat, they can take solace in that they built this team from near bankruptcy in only 5 years. Jurgen Klopp is an innovative manager who has the total support of his players. The big question going into the transfer window will be can they keep striker Robert Lewandowski? The Polish International has been linked to Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Chelsea in transfer rumours. One wonders if Dortmund will let their star striker leave, or risk financial meltdown to keep him.

For Bayern, the big change will come from the touchline. Jupp Heynckes is leaving the club at the end of the season, as former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola will take over the club in July. Bayern will also add more talent to their roster, plucking away Mario Gotze from Borussia Dortmund. (Gotze did not play due to a hamstring knock.)

Bayern Munich will have one more match, next weekend in the German Cup final against Stuttgart. If Bayern are successful, they will be the first German club to complete the treble. It will also mark one of the most successful seasons by any club in Europe.

So to that, time to lift your stein and say Prost to Bayern Munich. Deserving Champions of Europe!

You can follow me on Twitter @jstar1973

SBM Exclusive Feature: The BLAST-CAST - Volume 10: The Champions League Final

Reblogged from Sports Blog Movement:

Today's installment of the SportsBlogMovement Blast-Cast is a history maker for several reasons. First, it's our tenth episode, which may not seem like a lot, but that means we've already outlived about 96% of the internet podcasts out there. Secondly, we are going international, not just in terms of content, but with our guest podcaster.

The topic is a preview UEFA Champions League Final between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Read more… 98 more words

Lions Disappointing Draft

The NFL Draft took place a month ago and while most experts have weighed their thoughts on the draft, I decided to sit back and wait until some research was needed. My initial reaction to the Lions draft choices were met with quizzical doubts. I still feel the same a month later. I am not sold on these picks the Lions have made. It will take production on the field during games to prove me and the doubters wrong. A review of each pick.

1. (5th overall) Ziggy Ansah DE BYU

The history of BYU players succeeding in the NFL isn’t great. Only Steve Young and Jim MacMahon have made a name for themselves in the NFL, after spending their collegiate years in Provo. On top of that, BYU’s history is more rooted on the offensive side of football than defense. So I am skeptical of this pick. Yes the Lions did need to replace Cliff Avril who took his team high 9.5 sacks to Seattle, but this may not be the right choice. There is no denying of Ansah’s athletic ability. Standing 6’6 and weighing 270 pounds, Ansah is a very fast and mobile defensive end. He didn’t put up huge numbers, recording only 4.5 sacks in 2012 and his lack of football experience is a concern. Ansah is raw but properly developed, he could be a good one. However, with the likes of Jarvis Jones and Bjoern Werner out there, this could blow up in the Lions face.

2. (36th overall) Darius Slay CB Mississippi State

Darius Slay (#9) makes an interception against Auburn.

For years, decades even, the Lions have needed help at corner. Many have tried but the Lions haven’t had a true shut down corner since Lem Barney retired in 1977. Could Slay be the guy? The Lions could have drafted a corner in the first round as Alabama’s Dee Milliner was on the board, but concerns about a knee injury scared the Lions away. Yet the Lions used their second round pick to draft a corner that scared some teams because of a reoccurring knee injury. So yes, this is a head scratcher from GM Martin Mayhew. Slay did have a solid season with Mississippi State, registering 5 interceptions, one of those was went for  touchdown. Slay possess great speed as he recorded a 4.36 in the 40 yard dash, the fastest out of all cornerbacks in the draft. While he did play in the nation’s toughest conference, (SEC) can he take the next step and play among the game’s elite? Only time will tell.

3. (65th overall) Larry Warford OG Kentucky

The O-Line has been another problematic area for the Lions in their history. Even when Barry Sanders was mesmerizing defenses in the 1990s, the Lions still had trouble finding the right mix up front. The Lions are hoping Warford can help stabilize the interior of the line. Warford brings size and strength to the line, (6’3 332 lbs) but does lack foot speed. Scouts have said Warford is especially good at run blocking, as he does have the power to pancake blocks to defensive linemen. I do like this pick and I wouldn’t be surprise to see Warford in the starting lineup, before seasons’ end.

4. (132nd overall) Devin Taylor DE South Carolina

The Lions traded down in the fourth round, and decided to pick Taylor, who benefitted from playing alongside Jadeveon Clowney at South Carolina. Taylor brings length and athleticism to the D-Line standing 6’7 and weighing 266 lbs. Taylor’s strength is batting down passes with his long arms. With Ndamukong Suh drawing double teams, the Lions are hoping that frees up space for Taylor to put pressure on the quarterback, or give him the room to swat away pass attempts. If Ansah doesn’t fit the bill, then there will be more pressure on Taylor.

5. (165th overall) Sam Martin P Appalachian State

Once again, the Lions traded down to gain future draft picks. The Lions went for a punter from a Division 1-AA school. Punters are always a risky proposition in the draft but with the release of incumbent punter Nick Harris, the Lions felt the time was now to take Martin. The former soccer player turned punter does have a booming leg, averaging 45.9 yards per punt with a 40.8 net punting average. The Lions felt Harris was too inconsistent and are hoping Martin can become a secret weapon in the special teams. Still drafting a punter in the fifth round is questionable at best.

6. (171st overall) Corey Fuller WR Virginia Tech

Everyone knows how great Calvin Johnson is. But even the Lions recognize that Megatron can’t do it all. While Ryan Broyles could develop into a solid receiver down the road, the Lions felt another weapon in the passing game was required. Especially now, after Titus Young likes to be arrested more than playing football. Hence they took the speedy Fuller. Possessing great speed and big play ability, Fuller could stretch defenses down the field, opening up the middle for Megatron. Fuller did have a solid season in Blacksburg, recording 43 receptions for 815 yards and 6 touchdowns. There are questions about Fuller’s strength and he needs to be more precise in his routes. Fuller could be used as a kick returner but he will need to learn that skill.

6. (199th overall) Theo Riddick RB Notre Dame

The second pick in the sixth round for the Lions saw them take Riddick who did receive plenty of exposure at Notre Dame. But just because you play in South Bend it doesn’t mean that it will translate into a successful NFL career. (Does the name Rocket Ismail ring a bell?) Riddick does bring versatility to the backfield as he is an effective pass catcher while being a solid runner. Riddick did rush for 917 yards and 5 touchdowns in 2012, while catching 36 passes for 370 yards and 2 touchdowns. But Riddick did struggle against Alabama in the BCS Title game, only gaining 37 yards on 10 carries against the mighty Crimson Tide defense. Riddick is also small by NFL standards (5’10 201 lbs) so I have my doubts about him being the featured back in the offense. A questionable pick.

7. (211th overall) Michael Williams TE Alabama

If there is one thing to say about the Alabama tight end, it’s that Michael Williams is huge! Standing 6’3 while tipping the scales at 278 lbs, Williams will use his size more as a blocker than a receiver. He can get into the open field though, making 24 catches for 183 yards and 4 touchdowns, during Alabama’s National Championship run last year. Williams could be used in a two tight end formation and could be very valuable in short yardage or goal line situations. With Brandon Pettigrew entrenched as the starting TE, Williams will have to impress at camp, to make the team.

7. (245th overall) Brandon Hepburn LB Florida A&M

The Lions used their final draft pick to select an unknown linebacker from a small school. They are hoping that Hepburn can be a diamond in the rough. He did enjoy a terrific senior campaign with the Rattlers, registering 86 tackles, 5.5 sacks and one forced fumble. If Hepburn makes the team, he will most likely see duty on special teams.

You can follow me on Twitter @jstar1973