Arjen Robben went some way toward saving the job of Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovač (for now) while simultaneously getting Benfica manager Rui Vitória sacked after giving his side an early lead in the Champions League on Tuesday.
With both sides struggling mightily domestically (Bayern’s fifth in the Bundesliga; Benfica’s fourth in the Primeira Liga), the scrutiny on both managers this week had been intense.
A victory on Tuesday would secure progress to the Round of 16 for Bayern while condemning Benfica to the Europa League, and that likely outcome was all but confirmed after Robben dribbled through three defenders, cut around another and then fired a left-footed effort inside the far post. It’s the kind of Robben goal you’ve seen a hundred times, but it never gets old.
The 34-year-old Robben has heard his fair share of criticism this year as well. This was the winger’s first Champions League goal of the campaign and his first goal in all competitions since Sept. 25.
But 17 minutes later, Robben scored his second of the game (by cutting inside) to really confirm all of the things I said above.
Bayern led 3-0 at halftime, with Robert Lewandowski also scoring.