Gallant Gunners bow out despite win in Munich
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E-mail Xinhua, March 14, 2013
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Arsenal edged out by nervy Bayern despite glorious win in Munich. |
Bayern Munich progressed into quarterfinals although they lost 2-0 on home soil to Arsenal, in the round of last sixteen at the Champions League on Wednesday.
Arsenal were unable to make good their 3-1 slip up at the first leg as a 2-0 win in Bavaria was not enough to eliminate the German record champions due to the away goal rule.
Nonetheless, the visitors from London grabbed a delightful start as French international Olivier Giroud broke the deadlock with three minutes into the match to stun the German giants.
Theo Walcott's low cross from the right wing into the box found Giroud, who tapped in from five meters to beat Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. It was a perfect start for the visitors, as another two goals would secure a quarterfinal berth.
The hosts soon recovered from the shock as Toni Kroos, Thomas Mueller, Luiz Gustavo, Arjen Robben and Javi Martinez approached the "Gunners" goal dangerously.
The "Gunners" had difficulties to free themselves from their own territory but yet they looked dangerous on the counter-attacks.
With beginning of the second half Bayern took the reins to produce more chances through Robben and Kroos, even so they remained short on accuracy.
However, despite Bayern's dominance and chances, Arsenal doubled the lead through Laurent Koscielny at the 85th minute out of nowhere to ensure a thrilling closing period, as another goal would mean the end for the Bavarians.
The hosts survived the last frantic minutes of the encounter to secure the Champions League quarterfinal berth for the 12th time.
"The opener by Arsenal rattled us. We were just not focused enough as we were in the last few months. This defeat will be a lesson for us," Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes said.
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