1 November 2006, by Tom Kundert

Sporting hold Bayern to stay in contention

Bayern 0-0 Sporting

Sporting came away from Germany with a derserved draw againt the mighty Bayern Munich last night to keep alive their hopes of qualification for the next stage of the Champions League.

There were no goals but no lack of excitement as both teams missed a series of chances to take the lead throughout the match. Makaay was the chief culprit for Bayern, spurning three clear scoring opportunities, but Sporting came closest to breaking the deadlock when Joao Moutinho saw a well-struck free-kick cannon back of the bar.

"Our aims remain intact, to progress to the next round" - Paulo Bento

Paulo Bento continued his rotation policy, leaving Nani on the bench where he was joined by Alecsandro and Farnerud who had both started in Friday night’s dramatic draw at Beira-Mar.

After an even opening ten minutes the match burst into life when Makaay beat the offside trap and raced in on goal only to put his powerful shot wide with only Ricardo to beat. Five minutes later Liedson had a similar chance when Lahm misjudged a high ball over the defence but the outcome was the same as the Sporting marksman slid his shot wide.

Sporting, who had lost on every visit to Germany in European competition before this match, were far from overawed by the Bundesliga champions. Carlos Martins was spreading the ball about the pitch nicely and Djalo and Liedson were causing the home team plenty of problems with their speedy running.

Sporting pressure

In the 27th minute a short corner was worked to Moutinho, whose cross was headed across goal by Polga where Liedson just failed to make contact with Kahn struggling. Djalo then sent a header wide and minutes later the same player caused panic in the Bayern area and fed the ball to Liedson but the striker hesitated a second and the chance was gone.

At the other end Makaay fired a warning to Sporting with a tremendous shot from outside the area that flew past the post but the teams went into the break all square.

Paulo Bento brought on Nani at the interval, and Farnerud and Alecsandro early in the second half to try and keep Sporting’s attacking momentum.

The Lisbon team continued to enjoy plenty of possession, much to the annoyance of the home crowd, but Bayern should have taken the lead in the 74th minute when Makaay was again presented with a flagrant scoring opportunity but blazed his effort high over the bar.

Two minutes later and a typical piece of dazzling Nani trickery won a free-kick in a central position on the edge of the box. Joao Moutinho stepped up and his free-kick cleared the wall and seemed to be dipping into the net but agonisingly came crashing back off the bar with Kahn rooted to the spot.

Sporting fell away somewhat in the final ten minutes and after Makaay had again threatened it required a superb save from Ricardo to keep out a Demichelis header from point-blank range.

Liedson picked up a needless yellow card in the 88th minute to rule himself out of Sporting’s next match against Inter Milan at the San Siro, and there was still time for both sides to trade one more chance each.

Alecsandro shot over after a wonderful run and pass from Polga and both Pizzaro and Makaay just failed to hit the net as the ball pinged around in the Sporting box dangerously in the final seconds.

The result guarantees Bayern’s passage into the next round, while the second qualifying spot will be contested between Inter and Sporting who meet in Italy in three weeks’ time.

PortuGOAL man of the match: Polga
The Brazilian centre-back continues his majestic form at the heart of the Sporting defence. Impeccable at the back, he so nearly provided the key to victory with a superb late run and pass to compatriot Alecsandro who shot over.

Bayern Munich:
Kahn, Sagnol, Demichelis, Van Buyten, Lahm, Lell (dos Santos, 45), Ottl, Salihamidzic, Santa Cruz (Karimi, 74), Pizarro, Makaay
Yellow Cards: Van Buyten (50), Demichelis (57)

Sporting:
Ricardo, Caneira, Tonel, Polga, Tello, Custodio, Paredes (Farnerud, 51), Carlos Martins (Nani, 45), Joao Moutinho, Yannick Djalo (Alecsandro, 78), Liedson
Yellow Cards: Custodio (80), Liedson (88)