Mourinho's Chelsea vs Guardiola's Bayern

Chelsea vs Bayern Munich – UEFA Super Cup 2013

Mourinho and Guardiola met again with their respective teams Chelsea and Bayern Munich in the UEFA Super Cup 2013. It was a beautiful match, complete with attacks, counterattacks, great saves, amazing goals and everything in between. Stadion Eden in Prague was the stage for a match with the mixed atmosphere of Stamford Bridge and Allianz Arena that showcased two winning styles of playing the world’s game.

For most of the match, Guardiola’s Bayern took the attacking role while Mourinho’s Chelsea was defending really well and applied dangerous counterattacks. Both tactics seemed so pleasing to the fans that have a depth understanding of the beautiful game. However, seeing Chelsea defending too much or having ‘parked the bus’ in front of the goalie as people say, was a bit annoying. And seeing Bayer creating so many attacking opportunities but then dancing too much around the box was bothersome as well. It is unquestionable that this match was surrounded by the unfinished business this two powerful teams had from the Champions League Final in 2012 when Chelsea defeated Bayer on penalty kicks. Also the match was particularly highlighted by the past jabs between Mourinho and Guardiola when they were coaching Real Madrid and Barcelona respectably.

Chelsea put it in the net early with a stunning goal by Fernando Torres around minute 8 of the first half. Bayern was obligated to attack when they were one goal down. It was interesting to see one team defending really well while the other one was on the offensive but was not able to get that goal.

However, Bayerns response came with an amazing goal by Frank Rivery at the beginning of the second half as well. This goal would set the stage for what became one of the best soccer matches of the year. Chelsea not only was defending well but also created phenomenal counterattacks that made Bayern fans a bit nervous.

The Blues created hazardous attacks and it was with Eden Hazard, the Belgian international, that Chelsea would put it in the net for a second time. Chelsea was still strong in defense despite Ramires being sent off with second yellow card.

 It was not over yet but Bayern seemed desperate as they were one 2-1 in extra time.

But as usual, German teams, especially Bayern would not stop attacking until the end of the match and Javi Martinez hit the net in the last five seconds or perhaps on stoppage time. A wish came true for fans that wanted to see penalty kicks.

Even the last minute has sixty seconds!

At the end of the night it was Bayern Munich that walked away with the silverware and become the 2013 UEFA Super Cup Champions, as they were flawless from the penalty spot. Petr Cech had a terrific night, his efforts saved Chelsea from the constant threat, but Romelu Lukakus’ penalty was easily stopped by Manuel Neuer.

Despite the result, Chelsea and Bayern will be tough contenders for the next Champions League Final, and the rivalry between Mourinho and Guardiola will always spice up and make a great soccer match even greater.