Home > Football > Fiorentina and Bayern Munich hoping to avoid a reffing nightmare
by Phil Lythell on 09 March 2010
Email this Article (0) Comments
Official Merchandise Delivered Direct to Your Door
All eyes will be on the referee tonight when Fiorentina take on Bayern Munchen in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League second round tie.
Compare and buy Bayern Munchen v VFB Stuttgart tickets
Tom Henning Ovrebo – Chelsea’s nemesis in last year’s semi-final against Barcelona - was at the centre of much controversy when they met in the Allianz Arena three weeks ago.
The Norwegian disallowed a Mario Gomes strike - awarding a penalty to the Germans instead – and then controversially sent off Massimo Gobbi of the Viola before allowing Miroslav Klose’s late winner for Bayern to stand for despite the striker being at least two yards offside.
Undiano Mallenco of Spain will take charge of the match at the Stadio Artemio Franchi and the home side will be hoping that this time it is they that get the rub of the green.
Since their last meeting, Bayern have stormed to the top of the Bundesliga, capitalising on a recent run of bad results for Bayer Levekusen who suffered the first defeat of their domestic campaign when they lost 3-2 to Nurnberg at the weekend.
Bayern remain Germany’s only credible threat in Europe’s premier club competition with VFB Stuttgart expected to bow out to Barcelona when they meet next week.
Fiorentina have had a sorry season so far in Serie A and currently find themselves in tenth position – some 11 points off qualification for next year’s Champions League.
But it means they can concentrate fully on their European adventure and a highly impressive showing in Bavaria has boosted morale in the Italian side’s camp. With striker Alberto Gilardino in good goalscoring form they pose a real threat.
Manager Cesare Prandelli though will be well aware that Bayern’s last visit to Italy in December saw them crush Juventus 4-1 and with the counter-attacking threats of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, a cautious start is to be expected by the home side.
This intriguing tie could go either way but let’s just hope that it isn’t decided by a suspect refereeing decision.
Comments (0)
Add your comment here
PERSONAL ABUSE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED
First Name
Last Name
Email
Heading
Display your favourite sport or football team badge with your comment.
Sport
League
Team
Comment *
Please enter the text you see in the picture into the textbox below. *
Chelsea's Benayoun delighted to join 'one of best club's in the world'
Arsenal's Fabregas reveals inner torment over Barcelona transfer
Manchester United to beat Chelsea and Arsenal to Ozil signature
Arsenal Champions League Chelsea Cricket news Euroleague Fantasy football Football news Formula 1 Liverpool Manchester United NBA Newcastle United Premier League Sports news Tottenham Hotspur Transfer rumours Twenty20 UEFA UEFA Champions League
© SportBuzz All rights reserved 2008 Sportingo- Sports News & Sports Articles site. Sportingo delivers fresh sports news and analysis by fans-Football News, Tennis News, Rugby Union News, Rugby League, Cricket News, Cycling News, Basketball News and other Sports TV. XML Sitemap 2008.