Valentine’s Day, 2008. Aberdeen’s domestic form wasn’t doing much to console the broken hearts of the Red Army. Without a win in four games, the Dons had just suffered humiliating defeats at the hands of Dundee United and Celtic and were still mourning the loss of influential captain Russell Anderson. The support could be forgiven for being slightly apprehensive at the thought of meeting Bayern Munich in the last 32 of the UEFA Cup but a packed Pittodrie awaited nonetheless.
Two great clubs that shared a history were due to meet in slightly different circumstances. In the 1982/83 season, Aberdeen were a force to be reckoned with on the European stage ousting Bayern Munich 3-2 in the Quarter-Finals of the European Cup Winners Cup. A game fondly remembered as Pittodrie’s greatest ever night.
Despite undergoing a period of transition in the 2007/08 season, the Bavarian club prepared for a second trip to Pittodrie in their history firm in the knowledge that they were considered overwhelming favourites to progress. Boasting names such as Lucio, Schweinsteiger, Ze Roberto, Podolski, Klose, Lahm and Kroos in the squad and still missing the likes of Ribery, Khan and van Bommel, the favourites tag certainly suited the Munich side. Aberdeen were not prepared to play second fiddle in the drama, however, and a fascinating spectacle ensued.
It was a performance of gusto and bravado as the home side pressed the visitors with an intensity that had been somewhat lacking in their league campaign. Aberdeen’s direct style put pressure on Bayern and the Dons were rewarded with just twenty-four minutes on the clock. Aberdeen launched a free-kick from deep and the Bayern Munich defence failed to clear their lines. Sone Aluko showed immense composure to control the loose ball and tee up eighteen year old Josh Walker. The Middlesbrough loanee showed complete mastery of a football to bend an effort into the bottom right-hand corner beyond the outstretched arm of deputy goalkeeper Michael Rensing.
Aberdeen 1-0 Bayern Munich. The stadium erupted in ecstasy and with it a sense of belief that the Dons might just achieve something special. Aberdeen continued their high pressing game but were undone just five minutes later when Miroslav Klose latched on to a Luca Toni assist to finish high beyond Jamie Langfield. Bayern Munich were level.
Langfield remained busy at one end, while Aberdeen asserted further pressure and pushed for another. Another ball from deep, this time from Langfield, caused all sorts of problems for the away backline. Lee Miller innovatively hooked the ball over his marker to release Aluko. The on loan Birmingham youngster expertly lifted the ball over Christian Lell’s frame before volleying under the goalkeeper from twelve yards. Incredibly Aberdeen led 2-1 at half-time.
The fifteen minute intercession had to end eventually and with it arrived the harsh reality of football. On the fifty-five minute mark, Alan Maybury was correctly ruled to have blocked the ball with his hand inside the penalty area. Langfield produced a good save from Hamit Altintop but the Turkish midfielder wasted no time in converting the rebound. The Aberdeen goalkeeper was in fine form to prevent Bayern securing a winner by denying Lukas Podolski and as time wore on, the two teams could not be separated.
Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld described the tie as ‘a wonderful UEFA Cup match’ and few could disagree. The disparity of resources between the two clubs meant that there could be no qualms with how Aberdeen performed on the night. The team exited the tournament the following week but the home leg will be remembered for a long long time.
Aberdeen 4-4-2: Langfield; Maybury, Diamond, Considine, Mair; Aluko, Nicholson, Severin, Walker (Touzani 87’); Mackie (Lovell 69’), Miller.
Bayern Munich 4-4-2: Rensing; Jansen, Lucio, Demichelis, Ottl; Schweinsteiger, Ze Roberto (Podolski 67’), Lell (Lahm h/t), Altintop; Klose (Schlaudraff 81’), Toni.
statsandminiskirts.wordpress.com 