Bayern Munich booked their spot in the knockout stages of the Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Valencia on Tuesday evening.
Lille's victory over BATE Borisov had booked Valencia's spot moments before kickoff, but both sides still harboured hopes of topping the group.
Both teams had chances in the first period, but the major incident occurred just past the 30-minute mark when Antonio Barragan was dismissed for a foul on David Alaba.
Bayern continued to push in the latter stages, but it was Valencia that took the lead late on via Sofiane Feghouli.
However, the away side booked their spot in the knockout stages of the tournament courtesy of a Thomas Muller strike after 82 minutes.
Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action between the two sides.
Match statistics:
Valencia:
Shots 7
On target 3
Possession 35%
Corners 2
Fouls 13
Bayern Munich:
Shots 13
On target 5
Possession 65%
Corners 12
Fouls 10
Was the result fair?
It is a difficult one. On the balance of play you would have to admit that Bayern Munich deserved to take all three points. However, Valencia defended superbly after being restricted to 10 men and their effort alone gained them a draw from the match. A point apiece was just about correct.
Valencia's performance
The home side could have been excused for bowing under the constant pressure from Bayern Munich after they were restricted to 10 men. However, they defended superbly and managed to take the lead late on. They had already booked their spot in the next round prior to this match, but their effort could not be called into question.
Bayern Munich's performance
It was a bit hit and miss from Bayern this evening. They had plenty of possession and chances, but it seemed ever so one-dimensional at times with a series of high balls into the penalty area dealt with by the Valencia defence. They clearly miss the pace of Arjen Robben, but remain one of the favourites for the competition.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Adil Rami: The home side were under pressure for the majority of the match this evening, especially in the second period, but the defender was an absolute giant as he made challenge after challenge.
Biggest gaffe
Having just been booked, Barragan dived recklessly into a challenge with Alaba and was subsequently given his marching orders. Luckily it did not cost his team.
Referee performance
Howard Webb had a successful 90 minutes of action this evening. He got the major decisions correct and was prepared to let the play flow in the correct areas.
What next?
Valencia: The Spanish outfit return to domestic action away to Malaga on Saturday. Meanwhile, their final Champions League clash is against Lille on December 5.
Bayern Munich: The Bundesliga leaders return to domestic action at home to Hannover on Saturday. Meanwhile, their final Champions League group match is against BATE Borisov on December 5.
Matt Law
