Bayern Munich pay tribute to Tito Vilanova; thrash Werder Bremen 5-0

Bayern celebrate on scoring

Holders Bayern Munich twice fought back capitalize Werder Bremen 5-2 at the Allianz Arena. The German champions, fresh from their narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the first of the two legged semi-finals at the Spanish capital, Bayern looked put the the bittersweet result behind them by overcoming a side which they shellacked 7-0 away back in December.

However, it was the visitors who took the shock lead within 10 minutes through right-back Theodor Gebre Selassie latched in from the centre of the box only for Frenchman Frank Ribery to equalise 10 minutes as he converted Claudio Pizarro’s through ball with a left footed shot.

Bayern were criticized for their form slump since clinching the Bundesliga title in record-time and this fact was further accentuated when Werder Bremen regained the lead via Aaron Hunt whose left footed effort went past a hapless Neuer, who conceded for the 24th time this season. Peruvian international Pizarro had an attempt parried away by the goalkeeper and moments later Bastian Schweinsteiger tried a long range effort, only to shoot it well over the crossbar.

In short, Bayern spurned a number opportunities and looked gloomy all through the first 45 minutes. But the scenario in the second half was otherwise. Right from the commencement of the 45th minute till the final whistle was blown, Bayern looked more of an attacking side, giving away their usual ‘tiki-taka’ style and netting 4 goals in a space of 20 minutes was just a testament to that.
Bayern burst into life as former Werder Bremen player, Pizarro found the net twice within 4 minutes to make it 3-2 and bring the game under control.
Minutes later, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger converted captain Philip Lahm’s pass with a superb header before Dutchman Arjen Robben came on as a substitute to score barely a minute later and eventually, wrapping up the victory.

Bayern held a minute’s silence before kick-off at the Allianz Arena in tribute to ex-Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova, who died aged 45 on Friday. Vilanova was assistant to Bayern boss Pep Guardiola at the Nou Camp between 2008 and 2012, before he took charge when his great friend Guardiola decided to take a break from football.
Bayern now turn their attention to the Champions League as they prepare to welcome Real Madrid at home on Tuesday, who have a 1-0 upper hand.