Final Whistle

Game of the week by a mile was this epic encounter between Fiorentina and Bayern Munich.

This battle between Champions League sides was poised going into the tie, with Bayern carrying a 2-1 lead from the home leg, until Fiorentina went and scored, putting them through if the match finished due to away goals.The first goal had to be largely due to a mistake from Bayern keeper Butt, who did not enjoy his finest hour on Tuesday evening, as he fumbled the shot straight to the onrushing Vargas to open the scoring with aplomb by firing into the top right corner from close range just before the half-hour mark.

This lead was doubled on the day, when Fiorentina took an important second through Jovetic in the second half – and this was when the fireworks really started flying.

Bayern Munich, through Ribery and Van Bommel showed their class when the latter received a pass from the former and scored a goal which would bring extra time just six minutes later on 70 mins – a great finish into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Fiorentina then took a 4-3 aggregate lead through another Jovetic goal, this time nutmegging the goalkeeper to send home fans into more raptures.

But what a way to win it – Arjen Robben, whom we all remember from his Chelsea days, popped up with a beauty from 30 yards which flew into the top corner and gave Bayern the tie on away goals, despite the 4-4 aggregate scoreline. Put the above replay on full screen , and watch Robben’s goal again and again.

I’m learning French at the moment, largely because these Canal+ highlights are much more fun than listening to Andy Townsend and pals.