Inter v. Bayern 2-0 22/May/10

Zanetti lifts the European trophy, ending the 45-year drought.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet Photo Gallery]


Javier Zanetti's joy was one of the most delightful things this night at Santiago Bernabéu - the other watching Milito score a brilliant double to edge Bayern out of the Champions League final. The Germans, in all fairness, were comprehensively beaten by a tactically perfect team. Whether one loves Mourinho or not, the recognition of his endless genius as a tactician, motivator and circusman comes without saying. The Special One had a fairly troubled game despite the fact that his team won in the defensive department.

Inter has become in the sixth team to get a treble; it nearly took them up to 45 years. they have joined the likes of Barcelona(ugh!), Manchester United (double ugh!) and the lot. I thought that the night could have been worse for the Germans since the key absence of Frank Ribery could pay lots of dividends for them in that right side. This is the last call before heading to South Africa, where all sights will be set in the space of a month to see a new champion.



Milito gives the lead to the Italians.
[Photo: PA via Soccernet Photo Gallery]


There was a faint impression that the match was going to end as one of those epic encounters due to the fact that both teams opened up in the first minutes. It was a really hectic match particularly with two Robben runs in his right flank. For example, in the 10th minute with blistering speed the Netherlands international set twice as he found the side-netting. Inter's response came from a deflected and weak Maicon shot. The game was growing in tension as Haltintop unconsciously deflected a shot from Sneijder that Butt managed to save.

As the game marched on both teams made industrious works: Bayern in the offensive one and Inter in the defensive. Before the thirtieth minute mark Müller and Sneijder tried luck with shots but it was in the 33rd minute that the deadlock was broken: Julio Cesar cleared and Milito brilliantly headed the ball to Sneijder who later, released him. It was a matter of technique to see the Argentine finishing against Butt.

Time and time again the Italians made their nearly perfect covers, always with three or four players chasing the adversary. Again Robben shot wide in the 42nd. Inter's midfield superiority underwhelmed certain aspects of the German hardwork, particularly on Müller's side. Wesley Sneijder failed to score on combination with Milito in the following minute.



Milito takes his second and definitive.
[Photo: Getty Images via Soccernet Photo Gallery]


The second half proved to be another well-played stratagem by the Special One. Even when this tactical battle seemed won on paper, the Germans made their way and within twenty seconds Julio Cesar saved an effort from Müller. Likewise Butt palmed away Milito's in the 47th. Hamit Altintop got just inches away from scoring after Lucio's defensive flop. That left-hand side that Robben exploited wasn't being covered sufficiently enough and again, the speedy winger run riot.

Klose's introduction, with nearly half an hour to go, made the Germans appeared on the verge of an attacking spree. And indeed Julio Cesar was troubled when both Müller and Robben had a couple of chances denied. As the siege advanced the Italians enjoyed some chances: van Buyten saved the day as Bayern siege still hammered. When Van Gaal's team was nearest, Milito again appeared in the scoreline with a splendid run.

His performance was overall poor, if we think the sacrifice that Cambiasso and other players made, but his effort in making the two goals out of nowhere was outstanding. Eto'o released him and the striker dribbled past the Belgic centre-back and finished top corner. Bayern attack went unnoticed as they produced nearly no dangerous approach; then Inter took control starting with the massive confidence. A couple of substitutions were made with another fail from Müller. The cheer of the crowd sufficed to let Milito more than happy with his astonishing performance: two shots, two shots on target, two goals.