Quick Report: Manchester United 3-2 Bayern Munich

(GSM) – Bayern Munich squeezed into the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday as they advanced on away goals despite a 3-2 defeat by Manchester United. The tie finished level at 4-4 on aggregate.

Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, United stormed out of the gate in the third minute as Darren Gibson hit a drive from outside the area past Hans-Jörg Butt.

In the seventh minute, it was 2-0 to the Red Devils when Nani flicked a deft touch past Hans-Jörg Butt after a fine Luis Antonio Valencia cross.

It was then 3-0 on 41 minutes and 4-2 on aggregate when Nani bagged his second of the match, again beating Butt after a Valencia service.

Ivica Olic, though, pulled back a crucial goal just before half-time for Bayern when he muscled off Michael Carrick to slot home.

It got even more tricky in the 50th minute for United when Rafael picked up a second booking for a foul on Franck Ribéry, reducing the home side to 10 men.

Needing just one more goal without reply to take an away-goals edge, the Germans increased the pressure and took the initiative on 74 minutes when Arjen Robben volleyed in expertly from Ribéry’s cross.

Shell-shocked, United never responded and they were ousted despite a second-leg victory, and Bayern secured a semi-final berth against Bordeaux.