With a brave display in a fully packed stadium, Nurnberg did not allow Bayern to dictate the game.  Bayern had to chase from a one goal deficit to manage a 2-1 victory by the end of the match

Ali Karimi started the game for Bayern.  He was subjected to dangerous tackles and rough play from the opposition; not allowing him the opportunity to have many touches on the ball.  Karimi was man marked by Pinola throughout the entire half.  An early yellow card for Pinola did not prevent him from fulfilling his role and staying within a pace of Karimi throughout the half.  Consequently, Coach Magath decided to rest Karimi on the bench for the second half.

Karimi’s manager, Abolfazl Jalali, who traveled to Germany to be by Karimi’s side before his first ever appearance in the Champions League, commented: “Over here, depending on the condition, teams have different tricks up their sleeves; for instance, Nurnberg had nothing to loose and played dangerously.  Karimi is gaining valuable experience under different circumstances and he is familiarizing himself with the details of the German game.  Again in this game, players like Salihamidzic, Deisler, Santa Cruz, Ze Roberto, Mehmet Scholl, and Jens Jeremies were on the bench.  You’d have to be very simple-minded to think that players of such caliber are sitting on the bench with nothing to do and no determination while Karimi goes out on the field.  Competition is very tight here.”

Marginal Notes:

• An interview was conducted by a famous German publication with Sebastian Deisler questioning him about not starting for Bayern Munich and what he thought about Karimi. Deisler responded that Karimi is a very capable player and has the ability to play in Europe.  Deisler continued to praise Karimi’s character and clarified that he is not upset about Karimi starting for Bayern.
• Mr. Rut who owns one of the biggest Iranian carpet importers and is one of Nurnberg’s club managers had placed a 400 square meter carpet on display at the entrance of the stadium.  Ali Karimi commented in regards to the presence this symbolic Iranian artifact: “As I was walking over this carpet, I was filled with pride and joy.  My teammates were surprised when I explained to them that this 2 ton carpet was entirely hand woven.”
• Bayern Munich had a light training session this morning consisting of small sided games.  After training, the players took showers and had a massage session; releasing them for the rest of the day to spend with their families.  The team will resume their demanding training sessions from tomorrow in preparation for their upcoming champions league game.