[Catfish]

This should be a great clash of 2 German giants. I'm picking Stuttgart to get a 2-1 result, but this one could go either way.

Bayern have been very inconsistent and Stuttgart have played beautiful football.

But Bayern just squeaked by into the next round of the CL, so maybe that was the jolt they needed to turn their season around?

[miko]

I'm predicting 0-0. Stuttgart have been excellent this season, but they aren't as great going forward as defending. 0-0 seems logical to me, despite Bayern's recent poor form.

[Texan]

I'll go with a scoreless draw too. Seems like Stuttgart can dial in this result anytime they want and for them it would be an excellent point.

[Excape Goat]

the game just finsihed.... Stuttgart dominated until bayern munich scored. Basically, one of Stuttgardt made an error.... Makaay who was invisible until then scored.

After the goal, Bayern started to play better.... Stuttgart broke down.

[erwink]

I wouldn't say Stuttgart dominated the match at all. Their attacks seemed more direct and effective. Kuffour was Bayern's best player on the pitch and Makaay's finish was clinical. Kuranyi was giving Linke fits through the air but that's no real surprise. Brazzo played horrible as did Hargreaves , Pizarro, and Ballack. Santa cruz looked very uncomfortable playing up the left side. If Bayern play this way against Real it will be ugly. All that said the result was critical. Two crucial wins for FCB may be the christmas gift everyone was looking for. Thanks Roy!

[Catfish]

The sleeping German giant has been awaken. Bayern might be on the way up now. Very good match.

[Bayernfan]

Originally posted by erwink
Kuffour was Bayern's best player on the pitch

Probably the first time this statement has ever been uttered.

[JeffS]

Originally posted by erwink
I wouldn't say Stuttgart dominated the match at all. Their attacks seemed more direct and effective. Kuffour was Bayern's best player on the pitch and Makaay's finish was clinical. Kuranyi was giving Linke fits through the air but that's no real surprise. Brazzo played horrible as did Hargreaves , Pizarro, and Ballack. Santa cruz looked very uncomfortable playing up the left side. If Bayern play this way against Real it will be ugly. All that said the result was critical. Two crucial wins for FCB may be the christmas gift everyone was looking for. Thanks Roy!

Did we see the same match?

I thought Ballack did a very good job in a more physical, defensive role. Hargreaves worked hard and won a lot of balls, Brazzo was good and feisty, Linke was was solid (if not spectacular).

I will agree, though, that Kuffour was outstanding. Right now Kuffour is Bayern's best defender and should start at all times (barring injury).

And Makaay's finnish was terrific. Makaay proved why he is such a classic finnisher. He had zero opportunities and was virtually invisible, then one defensive error and Makaay cooly puts the ball in the back of the net.

I also agree that Santa Cruz left a lot to be desired. He is a tremendous talent, but he looks a bit lost this season.

I thought this was Bayern's best effort thus far this season. They played great team defense throughout, and mangaged to get decent attacks against Stuttgart's awesome defense. They played hard-working, organized football throughtout the game.