Bastian Schweinsteiger waves to the fans at the Allianz Arena for his “Farewell Match” (Photo from Bayern Munich)
Bayern Munich 4-0 Chicago Fire
MUNICH, GER—The match was secondary to the celebrations on this night at the Allianz Arena. It was all about Bastian Schweinsteiger as he played one half for each team and scored in the second half for the club he made 500 appearance and won 22 trophies for in a 4-0 win for the six-time defending Bundesliga champions.
The teams gather for a group picture. (Photo from Bayern Munich)
Schweinsteiger started at center back for the Fire in the first half and Serge Gnabry opened the scoring on seven minutes after his shot deflected off Brandon Vincent. Sandro Wagner made it 2-0 in the 38th minute for the hosts after heading in a cross from James Rodriguez.
In the second half, Schweinsteiger came on for Bayern and for Mats Hummels and everyone on Bayern wore #31 in his honor. At the honor mark, all of current players who played while Schweinsteiger was at Bayern came on with the objective of getting Basti a goal. Arjen Robben got one himself anyway in the 63rd minute.
The moment came in the 83rd minute as Schweinsteiger connected on David Alaba’s cross to complete the scoring and sent celebrations well into the night.
As mentioned, the match was secondary to honoring a Bayern legend and now Hall-of-Famer for Bayern Munich.
The most decorated Germany player in history with his trophies. (Photo from Bayern Munich)
“It’s an incredible feeling that so many people came from Chicago and America came over here just for me to see that game and to experience this kind of atmosphere,” said Schweinsteiger. “I think it’s also special for them and [the Fire]. I’m very grateful to share this moment with Chicago Fire and my teammates and we spoke about it for the past few months. They were overwhelmed to play in front of that crowd and to experience that kind of trip. It’s amazing and as I said before and as I said to the team, I’m so happy to share that moment with my teammates from Chicago because that team has a great heart and great character. I’m also very happy our coaching staff whom I’m very close to and thank you Chicago Fire.”
The Fire’s next match is September 16th at home to Orlando City SC at 4pm on FS1 while Bayern Munich return to Bundesliga action on Saturday at VfB Suttgart at 11:30am CT on FS2.
