Wednesday 23 November 2011

Bundesliga Clubs - Champions League Matchday 5


On Champions League Matchday 5 Group Stage three Bundesliga Clubs were in action.  FC Bayern continues to dominate Group A, after defeating Napoli 3-1 and has qualified for the top 16 knock out round.   Leverkusen's last minute goal over Chelsea  gave the Bayer factory team an important win ndin the final group game they will meet Genk, which lost to Valencia 7-0.  Chelsea will host Valencia. 

Leverkusen's fate is in its own hands, a draw between Chelsea and Valencia would move both teams ahead of Leverkusen by goal for goal against difference.  While Leverkusen can move on with a tie, a win against Genk is the best scenario. 

Dortmund, although doing extremely well in the Bundesliga, has found out that the Champions League is not the Bundesliga.  Besides putting extra pressure on the club, the win over Bayern Munich on the weekend seems to have taken its toll on the young team.  Early in the match against Arsenal both Goetze and Bender had to be substituted due to injuries.  Taking two key players out of the team also took its toll.  This is not to take anything away from the Gunners, who put on a superb performance in the Emirates.  Arsenal were able to do what Munich couldn't last Saturday, they penetrated Dortmund's defence.  My hat is off to the Gunners. 

With Dortmund's Champions League Adventure over, the team can now concentrate all their efforts on the Bundesliga.  Several of Dortmund's players play with the national side.  Goetze, Bender, Hummels will continue to see international play.  If there present performance in the Bundesliga continues, they will have another go at the Champions League next year, with a little more experience.

Bayern Muenchen and hopefully Leverkusen will continue to represent the Bundesliga in the Champoions League.  The rubber will hit the road with the knock out round. 


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