Makaay treble stuns Bayern

FC Bayern München 2-3 RC Deportivo La Coruña

Road to victory

Inspirational Valerón
A resurgent Bayern then looked set to go on and win the game until, 13 minutes from time, the inspirational Juan Valerón collected a clearance from Oliver Kahn and threaded a pass from the centre circle through the Bayern defence to Makaay. The Dutch striker beat the offside trap then the Bayern keeper to fire his third of the game and clinch an exceptional victory for the Spanish side.

Bayern caught out
Before the break, a third goal had hardly seemed necessary against a disappointing Bayern side. The hosts had controlled the opening stages but were caught flat-footed on 12 minutes by Valerón, whose incisive pass cut through the heart of the home side's defence and put Makaay through on goal. The Dutchman brushed off Thomas Linke before sliding a low shot to Kahn's left.

Constant threat
The slick passing and probing of Valerón, Fran González and Sergio González provided a constant threat to the Bayern defence, while the home side were rarely able to threaten the Deportivo goal. Michael Ballack, playing after shaking off an ankle injury, and Jens Jeremies struggled to exert their usual influence in midfield as Bayern failed to convert possession into chances.

Makaay double
The pace and vision of the Deportivo midfield, in contrast, ensured the Bayern defence was never able to relax and on the stroke of half-time they were caught out for the second time. Full-back Héctor Berenguel burst past Michael Tarnat down the right and crossed low for Makaay to smash past Kahn from close range and seemingly put the game out of Bayern's reach.

Bayern hit back
Bayern, unbeaten at home in the UEFA Champions League in their previous 32 matches, hit back after the break with a period of sustained pressure which resulted in Salihamidzic giving his side a lifeline. Thomas Linke picked out Claudio Pizarro in the box before the ball broke kindly to the unmarked Bosnia-Herzegovnian who made no mistake with a fierce drive from three metres. Seven minutes later the home side were level when Elber headed a corner from substitute Owen Hargreaves into the net. With the momentum now in their favour, Bayern suddenly seemed to be heading for victory, but Valerón and Makaay had other ideas.

Makaay winner
On 74 minutes the Spanish international's delightful chip found Makaay in space only for the Dutchman to head tamely at Kahn. Three minutes later the striker made no mistake, firing his third goal after again being sent clear by the dazzling Valerón. A stunned Bayern pushed forward and as the clock wound down Ballack struck the bar with a firm header. But the night belonged to Deportivo, and in particular Makaay.