Bayern Munich secured qualification for the next round of the UEFA Champions League with a 2-0 win over AS Roma on Wednesday, locking up the top spot in Group E in the process.
Roma were determined not to repeat their mistakes from Matchday 3, and the Italians came out trying to control possession early. The Bavarians soon took control, however, working the ball around the box as they prodded for an opening.
The Giallorossi defence held well early but started giving up acres of space as the first half wore on, as the hosts started to find some success with their advancing full-backs.
Vasilis Torosidis produced a fantastic block on Juan Bernat after the Spaniard found a pocket of space to fire a shot toward the far post. Mario Gotze then troubled Lukasz Skorupski with a low driving shot, but the loose ball was cleared before any German attacker could pounce.
Known for his tendency to abandon his goal, Manuel Neuer watched as his team-mates continued piling the pressure, via Purely Football:
Radja Nainggolan wanted a penalty for Roma in the 25th minute after going down in the box, but replays suggested the Belgium international was hardly touched, and the official rightfully decided against it.
David Alaba was one of the better men on the pitch for the hosts, and his delightful cross passed through a pack of players before bouncing harmlessly out of play. The Bavarians weren't at their clinical best, but they forced the opening in the 38th minute, nonetheless.
Some beautiful buildup play saw the hosts penetrate the box with pace, and Franck Ribery found himself at the end of a perfect pass from Alaba, easily slotting home. Bleacher Report UK has the Vine:
Bayern decided not to press their advantage, holding on to the one-goal lead until half-time.
ESPN FC's Roma writer Julian De Martinis conceded the Bavarians are just really good:
DW Sports reminded everyone the hosts would win Group E if the score held:
Alaba nearly doubled the Germans' lead with the first chance of the second half, aiming his leaping header just over the crossbar. The hosts once again pushed forward with numbers, with the Giallorossi hardly providing any danger.
When they did attempt to move forward, the Bavarians executed the counter-attack beautifully. Robert Lewandowski found space on the wing and fired in a cross at Gotze, who popped up between two defenders to prod the ball home from close range.
Gianlucadimarzio.com's David Amoyal used an (odd) analogy to explain what he was seeing:
Juan Iturbe almost immediately pulled one back for the visitors, but Jerome Boateng was able to work his way to the ball just in time.
The hosts now simply controlled the match, keeping the ball away from Roma. Alaba could have crowned his excellent performance with a goal of his own, but his free-kick clipped the bar.
Gervinho and Ashley Cole came close to salvaging a goal for the visitors, but Neuer wouldn't be beat, as the Bavarians held on for the 2-0 win.
Grades
David Alaba: A+
It would be hard to think of a more well-rounded full-back in world football than Alaba. The Austria international was a constant menace in the attacking third while taking care of his defensive duties, and he received my vote for the Man of the Match award.
Mario Gotze: B+
Pundits have been predicting Gotze's breakout season for two years now, and his World Cup-winning goals appear to have liberated the youngster. Arjen Robben may have missed this match due to illness, but the Bavarians didn't skip a beat with Gotze producing most of the cutting danger.
Alessandro Florenzi: B
The most active Italian did a fantastic job of chasing the full-backs in the first half, and when he rolled his ankle after 20 minutes, the Giallorossi resistance lost most of its bite. He returned to the pitch before being substituted in the 58th minute, and Roma must hope he doesn't miss any significant time.
Post-Match Reaction
Bayern's official Twitter feed immediately celebrated the group win after the final whistle:
Post-Match Outlook
Bayern are Group E winners, and they'll be able to rest some of their key players in the final two group-stage matches. Manchester City's 2-1 loss against CSKA means Roma still control their own destiny, sitting second in the group on level points with the Russians.
The final two matchdays will be crucial in Group E, with all three teams still able of qualifying for the next round. Roma will play both City and CSKA, with the latter two also still facing the Bavarians.
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