Title the only goal for bayern

Bayern Munich's German international striker Mario Gomez's return to form after three months out with an injury continued on Wednesday as he scored in the 4-1 Champions League rout of BATE Borisov.

Gomez, who was scoring his 21st Champions League career goal, said afterward he and his teammates were determined to put the record straight and win this season's Champions League, after losing on penalties to Chelsea in last season's final and on its home ground to boot.

Having finished top of its group it can expect a relatively favorable draw for the last 16 when the draw is held later this month.

"We want to reach the final again. And of course win it this time," said the 27-year-old.

"There are a lot of opponents that I would like to play against. But we cannot affect that and we will take whatever we can get. We'll just see what happens and then go as far as we can."

Gomez was part of a largely second string Bayern side - coach Jupp Heynckes made seven changes from the team that played in the Bundesliga last weekend - and another who looked good was Swiss international Xherdan Shaqiri.

"We wanted to have a good performance and the players who came in wanted to repay the coach for the trust they were given," said Shaqiri, who also got on the scoresheet.

"It doesn't matter who plays. We have a good squad and every player is replaceable."

Bayern finished off an impressive week for German soccer as it combined with Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 in becoming the first trio of Bundesliga clubs to finish top of their respective Champions League groups.

AFP

(China Daily 12/07/2012 page22)