5 October 2007, by Paulo Carvalho

Bayern too strong for Belenenses

Belenenses 0-2 Bayern Munich (agg. 0-3)

Belenenses suffered disappointment last night as they crashed out of the first round of the Uefa Cup to the mighty Bayern Munich, losing 2-0 at home and 3-0 on aggregate.

The Blues have nothing to be ashamed off as the team from the Lisbon suburbs put in a spirited effort and gave the Germans several uncomfortable moments before making their exit with goals by Luca Toni and Hamit Altintop.

The first ten minutes were intense as Bayern were attempting to intimidate their hosts with quick ball movement, but Belenenses responded with half chances for Ruben Amorim and Weldon.

The Portuguese club did well for the next 20 minutes, keeping their German counterparts encamped in their half of the pitch as they searched for that elusive goal which would level the tie.

However, it was Bayern who came closest to scoring in the first half as Jansen forced Costinha into a fine save with his feet to keep the game scoreless.

Belenenses continued their efforts in the second half by applying waves of pressure, but in truth were finding it almost impossible to carve out meaningful chances.

In the 59th minute the bubble burst when Luca Toni scored his second goal against the Blues. The Italian showed fine control at the far post before crashing a tremendous volley into the net.

Belenenses kept up the fight and thought they should have been awarded a penalty in the 74th minute for a foul on Roncatto, but the referee saw nothing in it and allowed play to continue. The tie was over five minutes later as Altintop secured victory for the Germans with a strike from inside the box.

Second-half substitute, Joao Paulo, and Rodrigo Alvim both had good chances late on to score a consolation goal, but their efforts ended up the wrong side of the post.

Belenenses’ European adventure comes to a premature end, but they will take invaluable experience with them as they fight to move up the table and claim a berth in Europe again next season.

Belenenses:
Costinha, Candido Costa (Amaral, 14), Devic (Mendonca, 72), Rolando, Hugo Alcantara, Rodrigo Alvim, Ruben Amorim, Silas, Ze Pedro, Roncatto, Weldon (Joao Paulo O.)
Yellow Cards: Rodrgio Alvim (15), Devic (47)

Bayern Munich:
Rensing, Lell, Lucio, Demichelis, Jansen, Ze Roberto (Ottl, 73), Mark Van Bommel, Hamit Altintop, Franck Ribery (Schlaudraff, 68), Bastian Shweinsteiger (Kroos, 80), Luca Toni
Yellow Cards: Luca Toni (61)

Goals:
[0-1] Luca Toni, 59
[0-2] Hamit Altintop, 79