On May 25, 2013, Borussia Dortmund faced Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League final at Wembley Stadium in London. In an intense and closely contested match, Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory, clinching their fifth European Cup and completing a historic treble.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Borussia Dortmund: 1 (Ilkay Gündoğan 68′ (pen.))
- Bayern Munich: 2 (Mario Mandžukić 60′, Arjen Robben 89′)
- Possession:
- Bayern Munich had 54% possession, while Borussia Dortmund had 46%. The possession was relatively balanced, with both teams having spells of control during the match. Bayern’s slight edge in possession allowed them to create more sustained attacks, especially in the second half.
- Shots:
- Borussia Dortmund registered 12 shots, with 8 on target, reflecting their determination to break through Bayern’s defense. Bayern Munich managed 14 shots, with 8 on target, showcasing their attacking efficiency, particularly in the latter stages of the match.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Bayern Munich had a passing accuracy of 85%, completing 427 passes out of 502 attempts. Borussia Dortmund had a passing accuracy of 81%, completing 368 passes out of 454 attempts. Bayern’s slightly higher accuracy contributed to their ability to maintain pressure and exploit spaces in Dortmund’s defense.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Borussia Dortmund made 17 tackles compared to Bayern Munich’s 14, indicating their efforts to disrupt Bayern’s rhythm and regain possession. Bayern’s defense, led by Dante and Jérôme Boateng, was effective in containing Dortmund’s attacks, particularly in the second half.
- Set Pieces:
- The first goal of the match came from open play. In the 60th minute, Mario Mandžukić tapped in from close range after a low cross from Arjen Robben, giving Bayern the lead. Borussia Dortmund equalized in the 68th minute through an Ilkay Gündoğan penalty after Dante fouled Marco Reus in the box. The decisive moment came in the 89th minute when Arjen Robben scored the winning goal, finishing calmly after a clever pass from Franck Ribéry.
- Individual Performances:
- Arjen Robben was the standout performer for Bayern Munich, scoring the crucial winning goal and providing the assist for the opener. Mario Mandžukić was also instrumental, scoring the first goal and leading the line effectively. For Borussia Dortmund, Marco Reus was a constant threat, winning the penalty that led to Dortmund’s equalizer, while Ilkay Gündoğan kept the midfield ticking with his calm passing and composure.
- Tactical Overview:
- Bayern Munich, managed by Jupp Heynckes, employed a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield and using the pace and creativity of their wingers to stretch Dortmund’s defense. Borussia Dortmund, under Jürgen Klopp, also used a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing high pressing and quick transitions. Both teams executed their tactics well, but Bayern’s experience and ability to capitalize on key moments were crucial in securing the victory.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, all for Bayern Munich (Dante 67′, Philipp Lahm 84′, Franck Ribéry 90′). Dante’s foul led to Dortmund’s penalty, while the other bookings were for tactical fouls to disrupt Dortmund’s play.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Bayern Munich won 8 corners compared to Borussia Dortmund’s 6, reflecting their sustained pressure in the attacking third. Both teams were caught offside three times, indicating their attempts to push forward and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Bayern Munich’s 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League final was a dramatic and closely contested affair that secured Bayern their fifth European Cup and completed a historic treble, as they had already won the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal earlier in the season.
The match was marked by intense competition between two of Germany’s top clubs, with both sides having periods of dominance. Bayern took the lead through Mario Mandžukić in the 60th minute, but Borussia Dortmund quickly responded with an equalizer from Ilkay Gündoğan’s penalty. The game seemed to be heading towards extra time until Arjen Robben’s late winner in the 89th minute, sealing the victory for Bayern.
Robben, who had experienced heartbreak in previous finals, was the hero for Bayern, finally delivering the decisive moment that earned him and his team European glory. Dortmund, despite their spirited performance and tactical discipline, were left to rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses.
The final at Wembley is remembered as one of the most exciting in recent history, not only for the quality of football on display but also for the significance of the result, as Bayern Munich capped off a remarkable season by winning the treble. For Borussia Dortmund, the match was a tough lesson in the fine margins of top-level football, but their journey to the final was a testament to their quality and Klopp’s managerial brilliance.
