Bayern needed victory to gather form

Bayern Munich managed a narrow 1-0 win over Premier League champions Manchester City in the opening Champions League group stage match on Wednesday. Arjen Robben, who was a major doubt for the match, only made it into the substitutes bench due to recent injuries. However, he came on with less than 25 minutes on the clock and made a big difference. His presence on the pitch provided space for other players to create chances and this in turn led to the goal from Jerome Boateng with only minutes left on the clock. The good start to the group stages was important for Bayern since they are in a difficult group.

Bayern have been poor form in the Champions League of late, but this victory brings them crucial three points. It could have been very different had they drawn yet another match. After the 4-0 thumping of the hands of Real Madrid last season, Robben says that it will be awhile before the Allianz Arena is a fortress once again. He reckons that the club can do much better in terms of form going forward. The Bundesliga champions have made an indifferent start to the league campaign by dropping points against opponents like Schalke when they are expected to dominate comfortably.

“We didn’t play as well as we can and we still need to find our rhythm, but we’re on the right track. We’re working on certain things and the only way is up. We got the three points and that was the most important thing. Sometimes chances go in, sometimes they don’t. Not everyone who gets a chance is going to score. But there were plenty of positives, we created a lot of good opportunities. Fitness-wise I’m doing well. I started the season really well against Wolfsburg,” said Robben after the match.