Bayern Munich have ended their 12-year wait to regain the Champions League title after Arjen Robben's goal two minutes from time sealed a 2-1 win over Borussia Dortmund.
The Dutchman laid the Bavarians' recent European woes to rest with a brilliant dribble and finish to end what had been an enthralling encounter at Wembley.
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It was Jurgen Klopp's men who made the better start, forcing Manuel Neuer into action on a number of occasions in the first 25 minutes. The first half-chance fell to Jakub Blaszczykowski in the 10th minute, but the Polish international fired over from the edge of the box.
Bayern looked nervous and continued to come under early pressure, but their goalkeeper made save after save to keep them on level terms. His best stop prevented Sven Bender breaking the deadlock after the defensive midfielder got on the end of Kevin Grosskreutz's cross.
Jupp Heynckes's men had settled into the game by the half-hour mark and began to have some chances of their own. Firstly, Arjen Robben was released one-on-one with Roman Weidenfeller, who sprung off his line to close the Dutchman down.
He then produced a fantastic reflex save to deny Mario Mandzukic, before sparing Mats Hummels's blushes by closing down Robben after the centre-back's mistake gave the winger a slight opening.
The first half was played in lively fashion, but the second took a while to get going, although once it did, the pace was every bit as frantic. It sparked into life when Bayern took the lead on the hour mark.
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Robben made a nuisance of himself once more inside the box as Dortmund found themselves in a muddle. The Dutchman found space on the left to cross for Mandzukic, who tapped into an empty net.
Die Borussen were not behind for long, however, as Dante clattered into Reus inside the area, giving the referee no option but to point to the spot.
Usual penalty taker Robert Lewandowski had a spot kick saved by Neuer three weeks ago, so Ilkay Gundogan stepped up instead. He made no mistake, confidently sending the ball into the bottom corner.
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Bayern came close to restoring their advantage in the 72nd minute when Mario Mandzukic was sent clear with just Weidenfeller to beat. The Croat rounded the goalkeeper, but saw his effort cleared off the line by a retreating Neven Subotic, with Robben also closing in at the back post.
The game looked to be heading for extra time until the ball was launched long into Franck Ribery with two minutes remaining. The Frenchman took the ball down on the edge of the box for Robben to burst through and scoop past Weidenfeller.
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The goal sparked scenes of delirium among the Bayern fans, but nothing like that which greeted the final whistle. It is the fifth time that Bayern have lifted the famous trophy.
Michael Penkman
