UEFA Cup: Bayern Munich v Aberdeen

In the ugly duckling of European club competitions, we saw today a giant club (Bayern) in one of the best leagues take on a good team (Aberdeen) in a truly B-level league (Scotland). The game began with some real back-and-forth action, as both sides strove to score the opener. Bayern came into this match a two or three goal favorite and I think the 11 from Aberdeen were the only ones who thought they stood a chance. Well, 24 minutes in, a ball bounced around in the Bayern area, was controlled by Aluko who deftly laid off a pass to an oncoming Walker, who bent the ball right around de Michelis and under diving keeper Rensing. The boys in Red had done it, scoring the opener in fine form. But Bayern is a beast, as all fans know, the counterattack coming strong as a ball forward from Lucio came into the top of the box, Luca Toni headed the ball in Klose's direction. The Polish-born striker crushed a volley across the face of goal into the upper-left corner. All credit to Bayern, but even more to Aberdeen, as the young Scots battled forward time and again, their will keeping them in the contest. And, with less than five minutes to go in the half, it paid off, as the men in red rushed forward on a counter, the ball was quickly played on, a one-touch putting Aluko one-on-one with a defender with the ball at chest height. Aluko touched the ball to his chest, turning inside on the defender, chested the ball to his left foot and ripped his running volley under Rensing. Another great goal for Aberdeen. The second half saw more of the same, but Bayern's depth showed, as Philip lahm played a strong role in the second half in place of Christian Lell, and a penalty was conceded on a handball in the box. Altintop struck well but the Aberdeen keeper stopped the shot, only to have the rebound fall to Altintop for a poke-in finish from inside of five yards. A great game of football which saw a lot of heart, this was a huge upset for Aberdeen even though they only drew. It will be hard for them to advance, as the second leg will be played at the Allianz Arena.