Rockin' Robben to The Rescue: Champions League Semifinal Leg One

Manchester United have Wayne Rooney, Barcelona have Lionel Messi, and Bayern Munich have Arjen Robben. As he's done time and time again, the Dutch magician has once again secured an all-important result for the Bavarians. In what proved to be a gritty, fast paced, and downright suspenseful first leg of the Champion's League semifinals, Bayern Munich have managed to defeat Olimpique Lyon 1-0 at home.

Looking back at the match, despite the modest scoreline, Bayern Munich can be pleased with this win, having secured a home victory and escaping the wrath of the all mighty away goal, making the next match in France only theirs to lose.

Quick Draw Roberto Rosetti

Tonight's official, the Italian Roberto Rosetti will certainly receive his fair share of criticisms, especially after having produced four cards, two of which resulted in the discharge of a player: Franck Ribery and Jeremy Toulalan. While the referee was fair in that his anxious hands penalized both teams equally, each set of supporters of will be scratching their heads at his decisions.

The first expulsion was in response to Franck Ribery's clumsy challenge on Argentine Lisandro Lopez. The Frenchman made an overzealous effort at a 50/50 ball but in the end only made contact with the Argentinian.

The second was after a second yellow following Toulalan's studs-up tackle on Bastian Schweinsteiger which was less severe than it first appeared. Strictly by definition, both of these decisions could be considered correct, but perhaps the referee should have exercised some discretion in issuing his harsh verdicts. Ribery's effort was more clumsy than it was malicious, and Toulalan, despite going into the tackle with his studs exposed, made full contact with the ball and avoided any contact with Schweinsteiger.

Martin Demichellis and Diego Contento

For those Bayern supporters who forgot why Munich signed Argentinian central defender Martin Demichellis back in 2003, he just reminded us. After a season plagued with injury and simply poor form, Martin Demichellis and the Bayern defense have FINALLY produced a performance resembling that of a top European club. The back four have been a problem area all season, but today proved to be an asset which is represented in the scoreline.

Aside from Demichellis, youngster Diego Contento also provided an impressive display both defensively, and moving forward as well. This left back position has been a question mark all season, but as of late the 19-year-old talent has shown an enormous amount of potential, playing well in this position.

The Substitutes

As a result of suspensions, ejections, and tactical substitutions, Bayern Munich have tested the depth of their bench, and its passed with flying colors. A total of four players who are not first team regulars were called upon to secure Bayern's all important 1-0 victory. Danijel Pranjic replaced yellow suspended captain Mark Van Bommel and did well to provide stability to the central midfield alongside Bastian Schweinsteiger. Aforementioned Diego Contento was asked to fill the defensive void left by suspended Holger Badstuber, proving to be one of the better players on the pitch. After Franck Ribery's 37th minute dismissal, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk came on also proving to be a reliable source, among other things setting up Arjen Robben's 69th minute goal. Relieving Robben in the 85th minute was Hamit Altintop who helped bring the 1-0 lead home.

This was an important statement by the Bayern bench especially after much concern that this Bayern 11 rely too heavily on stars Robben and Ribery for production. This team has shown they have substance past these two virtuosos.

The Bavarians will meet Lyon Tuesday, April 27th for what should be an exhilarating second leg. If Bayern expect to reach the finals, they will need to produce a competent defensive display, and manage to break down an impressive Lyon defense. But Bayern have done well away from home, managing to score just as many away as home goals. All eyes will be on Robben to supply another streak of genius to bring this Bayern side into the finals.