Robben Sends Bayern to Berlin

With a genius display of individual class, Arjen Robben sent Bayern Munich through to the finals of the DFB Pokal with his 112th minute gem of a goal, deciding the emotional 120 minute clash between the two rivals. 

It was certainly not the first time Robben has bailed out the boys in red, and I'm willing to bet it won't be the last.

The match proved to be a gritty one, but in the end it was a deserved victory for Die Bayern. Other than a short spell in the second half, Bayern dictated play for the majority of the game, and consequently came out on top.

Looking Forward: Winning the first game of "Die Wochen der Wahrheit" (the weeks of truth) was essential for Bayern. After coming off a series of lackluster games, they could not have afforded to enter the deciding phase of the season with a loss against Schalke. 

This game showed promising glimpses of what Bayern can do when they're on form—be a dominant side capable of controlling a game. Bastian Schweinsteiger was central to this factor, often times coming back to receive the ball, and conducting the pace of the game. 

Even the defense showed signs of competence, which will be pivotal in these decisive coming weeks. Other than one or two moments of nervousness, they did well to keep the Schalke attack at bay.

The celebrations will have to be kept to a minimum, however, as Bayern's schedule in the coming weeks is a lofty one. They play Stuttgart this Saturday at home, Manchester United at home on Wednesday, and then back to Schalke the following Sunday—hardly a walk in the park.

No one else but Bayern themselves control their success the rest of the way. If they play how they played against Schalke, they could very well clinch both domestic titles, and maybe even make a statement on the European stage. 

However, if they show up how they did against Frankfurt and Koeln, the only thing they'll have to show for themselves at the end of the season is a long "to do" list for the offseason.