Bayern Munich defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Champions League final. The postmatch reactions pretty much cover it all.
Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp began with a nice gesture acknowledging the winners, “First of all, congratulations to Bayern. You have to respect the result.” Doesn’t mean he’s happy with it, though.
Klopp refused to focus on Bayern though, instead concentrating on how tough his squad played, despite admitting they tired late. “From the 75th minute it was very hard for us after a tough season. We deserved to be in the final. That is not the most important thing, but it is important.” I think we can all agree that’s about right.
Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels knew that today’s loss may mark the only chance he gets to win Europe’s highest honor, “The game was really close and its very disappointing for us. We were the better team in the first 25 minutes but we missed the goal we needed. It was a tough game and this final is one of the hardest games to lose.”
On the happier side, Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, after being thrown in the air by his players, said he made a number of changes at the half. “We didn’t get into the game in the first half, so I corrected a few things at the interval. There was pressure on both teams, but we certainly felt the burden of being favourites in the first 20 minutes.” Guess we’ll never find out what he corrected!
Philipp Lahm was too excited to speak, according to John Cross of The Mirror:
Lahm rushed through mixed zone insisting he didn't want to talk. 'My English is not good enough, I am sorry,' said Lahm in perfect English.
— John Cross (@johncrossmirror) May 25, 2013
Man of the Match Arjen Robben took the time though! “There are so many emotions, especially after where we came from. Last year was such a disappointment. We’ve spoken about it: the last four years, we’ve been in the final three times. It needed to happen, but you still have to do it. I don’t know how many times I dreamed about it. To do it in the end is an unbelievable feeling.”
Robben described the entire trip through the Champions League as fantastic, “It’s unbelievable, it’s already going into the history books. The way we did it... if you beat Juventus twice and then you beat Barcelona 4-0 and 3-0 and then win the final - I don’t know what more you could wish for.’'
In a nice touch, Sir Alex Ferguson presented the Man of the Match award to Robben, saying, “This is my first job since retiring. It’s a great pleasure.”
Finally, a funny moment, Mario Mandzukic lost his winner’s medal in the celebration! I’m sure he’ll get another.