Robben’s late goal earns Bayern Munich the Champions League trophy

Much-maligned Arjen Robben was at his best in Saturday’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, showing great composure to score the dramatic match-winning goal in the dying stages of the game.

Despite being touted as underdogs, Borussia Dortmund dominated the possession throughout the opening half with Lewandowski and Reus missing several opportunities to give their side the lead. But Neuer was in superb form to deny several to deny the Dortmund attackers.

However it was Robben who blew three chances, with the most massive one coming when the Dutchman failed to beat Weidenfeller in one-on-one situation in the 36th minute. Weidenfeller stopped Robben once again when he took the Dutchman’s shot into the face seven minutes later.

Bayern Munich survived constant Dortmund’s pressure before scoring an opener in the 60th minute when Ribery and Robben combined in the build-up to set up Mandzukic to score with a close-range finish from Robben’s delivery. Borussia leveled the scoring seven minutes later, when Guendogan kept cool head to convert the penalty awarded for a poor Dante’s challenge on Reus.

With the game edging to an extra time it was Robben who showed necessary composure to score match-winning goal with one minute to go. Ribery backheeled through a long ball to the Dutchman who scuffed the ball past Weidenfeller. By scoring a winner Ribery silenced his critics who attacked him for poor performances delivered in two previous Champions League finals against Inter Milan and Chelsea, lost by the German giants.

Bayern Munich lifted the Champions League for the fifth time to match Liverpool’s haul of titles, with only Real Madrid (9) and Milan (7) having lifted the trophy more times.