On This Day: Throwback to when Manchester United was knocked out of the Champions League by an Arjen Robben sensational volley


On This Day: Throwback to when Manchester United was knocked out of the Champions League by an Arjen Robben sensational volley

Many left-footed players are playing in the biggest competitions across the globe but someone like the former Dutch International, Arjen Robben, has one of the best-left foot in World Football. His ability to run deep with the ball and then cut back and initiate shots towards the goal is something legends do. His left-footed volley from a Frank Ribery Corner at the bottom left corner saw Bayern reach the semi-final of the Champions League 2009-2010.

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Manchester United faced Bayern Munchen in the Champions League Quarterfinals at Old Trafford 12 years ago today. It was the return leg at Old Trafford where Bayern Munchen faced the “most beautiful” defeat, as Franz Beckenbauer explained later. Despite winning the match 3-2 Manchester United lost on the away goals rule, allowing the German side to progress to the last four of Europe’s biggest competition.

Manchester United was absolutely stunned as Arjen Robben scored one of the most beautiful goals for Bayern Munchen

Arjen Robben at Bayern Munich

After two goals from Nani and one from Darren Gibson, Manchester United was in a commanding position(3-0) just before the break. But Ivica Olica’s late strike at the end of the first half changed the equations of the game. 

In the second half, Rafael was sent off after a double yellow card in the 50th minute for a foul. With a quarter of an hour left for the final whistle, Bayern won a corner. Frank Ribery kept a floater towards the far side of the goal post where Arjen Robben was waiting for his moment.

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He then took a volley with his body bent sidewards to ensure a clear connection with the ball which ended up at the right bottom corner of the goal. It was one of the rare moments to be cherished for the Bayern Fans. 

FC Bayern Munich reached the finals of the Champions League 2009-2010, defeating Lyon in the semi-finals. However, Inter Milan got the better of them in the finals, beating them 2-0 there.

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