The UEFA Champions League came to a close on Saturday, as Italian giants Inter Milan beat German champions Bayern Munich 2-0 in Madrid. Although the scoreline might suggest an easy win, the Germans put up a tremendous fight, and looked the better side at many points in the game. Inter utilized their strong defense to set up the quick counterattacking offense that has worked so well for them this season.

The first goal was a perfect example of this, as Goalkeeper Julio Cesar booted the ball downfield, and before Bayern could react, Diego Milito had headed the ball to Wesley Sneijder, who successfully threaded the needle back to the speedy Argentinian forward, who hesitated for a fraction of a second before expertly finishing into the top corner. Bayern were by no means easily defeated, and had a their fair share of chances, spearheaded by Dutch maestro Arjen Robben. One chance saw a fierce shot by Robben looking towards to top corner, until Inter Defender Cristian Chivu headed away before the ball could go in. The second goal of the game would come in the 70th minute, again by Milito, who turned Bayern defender Daniel Van Buyten inside out, before calmly finishing to the far post.

Inter Milan’s coach Jose Mourinho is no rookie to champions league finals, also leading FC Porto to victory in 2004. Mourinho excels at taking successful sides and pushing them to their limits. He is only the third coach to lead two different teams to Champions League glory.

Looking at the statistics from the game, Inter did not dominate as the score suggests. Bayern managed 70% possession and 21 shots, 3 on goal, While Inter only managed 12 shots, 7 on goal. Both keepers played extremely well, Bayern’s keeper Hans-Jorg Butt denying Inter five times, and veteran Julio Cesar saving three to help Inter keep a clean sheet.

With the end of the Champions League season, the next big event in the world of soccer is the World Cup, starting June 11th.