Looking back at when Bayern Munich played against India

It was the last-ever match for one of India’s all-time greatest players.

Every football enthusiast remembers the mind-blowing moment in Indian football’s recent history when Bundesliga giants FC Bayern Munich came to the country. The Bavarians made the trip here to play against the Indian men’s national team in a testimonial match for Bhaichung Bhutia. It was a mid-season friendly that took place on 10 January 2012 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi.

The day was particularly special as it was Bhaichung Bhutia’s farewell match. It was the last chance to see the living legend and the former national team skipper play for the Blue Tigers. German carmaker Audi India was the organiser behind the friendly game that took place right around the Auto Expo in New Delhi where several German players were promoting their cars.

Bhaichung Bhutia’s testimonial fixture against the Bundesliga giants boasting of players like Philip Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger and more attracted thousands of fans despite the cold and foggy weather. While the Blue Tigers suffered defeat, it remains one of the high points in recent memory of Indian football.

FC Bayern Munich vs India: As it happened

FC Bayern Munich’s performance against India was impressive as they won the fixture by a 4-0 scoreline. Players like Thomas Muller, Philipp Lahm, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, Arjen Robben, Mario Gomez, Jerome Boateng, Bastian Schweinsteiger and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer were part of the line-up.

All four goals were scored in the first half itself. Mario Gomez scored the first in the 14th minute. Then, Thomas Muller scored a brace and Schweinsteiger scored the fourth before the lemon break. However, the result of the fixture was never the focus. Seeing Bhutia and the Indian players on the same pitch as FCB’s star players was the highlight.

Before the match began, Bayern Munich captain Phillip Lahm presented Bhaichung Bhutia with a Bayern jersey with his name written across the back of it. Seeing their former skipper lead the national team once again was a joyous moment for football fans in India. 

Bhaichung Bhutia had retired earlier after struggling with injuries but returned to don the blue of the national team for this occasion. Watching him back in action was marvellous for the fans inside the stadium. Audi India presented Bhutia with an Audi Q8 car as well, to make his day even more memorable.