Gomez double
September 28, 2011
Bayern Munich consolidated their position at the top of Group A with a 2-0 home win over Manchester City in Tuesday's Champions League.
Both goals came from Bayern striker Mario Gomez, who snatched his first goal after 38 minutes. In the first half hour Bayern had struggled to crack City's disciplined defense, and could only attempt some long-range shots.
However then Franck Ribery managed to carve out some space down the left wing and fired the ball in from outside the box. The shot was saved by City's goalkeeper Joe Hart, as too was Thomas Müller's rebound, before unmarked Gomez slid in and scored.
Bayern dominant
Now controlling the game, on the stroke of halftime Bayern scored again. Toni Kroos floated in a free kick, which was headed on target by Daniel van Butyen. The header was saved, but Hart was helpless when Gomez then scored from close range.
In the second half Gomez came close to a hat-trick on two occasions, as City looked increasingly passive. Hart was the main reason the score stayed 2-0.
Gomez paid tribute to City, saying they "played very well at the beginning" and said that Bayern were "a bit nervous."
"I think we deserved to win as we controlled the match after 30 minutes. I did not play all that well, but I scored two important goals and that is more important," Gomez said.
Tevez's tantrum
City coach Roberto Mancini opted to start with the attacking duo of Dzeko and Sergio Aguero, who have been a major factor in City's unbeaten start to the Premier League. Argentine Carlos Tevez was left on the bench, and in post-match interviews Mancini said the striker refused to go on as a substitute.
The coach went on to say Tevez will never play for the club again.
"I can't accept that one player refuses to go on," said Mancini. "He's finished with me, with me he's finished."
Bayern are enjoying a run of great form, and Tuesday's result extends their winning streak to 10 games in all competitions. With two wins from two games, Bayern Munich are at the top of Group A with six points.
Author: Catherine Bolsover (dpa, Reuters, AP)
Editor: Sarah Harman