Tom Starke, Bayern Munich relegate Darmstadt

A late Tom Starke penalty save sealed Bayern Munich’s 1-0 victory on Saturday. The save also sealed Darmstadt’s Bundesliga fate: They are now officially relegated to the 2.Bundesliga.

The first half was an extremely open affair with both sides getting opportunities to score. With the slightest of margins for survival (win out and hope someone else loses out), Darmstadt could actually stay in the Bundesliga for another season if a miracle happened.

Bayern opened the scoring in the 18th minute thanks to an unlikely source. Juan Bernat scored a great goal! Franck Ribery drew defenders out wide, and Bernat slipped into the box behind them. Ribery found him with a quick pass, and the rest was up to the left back. He quickly sliced through the Darmstadt defense and then curled it inside the far post with the outside of his left foot.

The second half was much more of the same. Both sides had numerous opportunities to score. Bayern just had more of an edge. It seemed that they could score at any minute.

Bernat then gave a lifeline to Darmstadt with an 85th minute penalty. He fouled Sven Schipplock in the penalty area, and Hamit Altintop stepped up to take the penalty. Unfortunately for Altintop, Tom Starke is a legend. He’s a wall. He saved the penalty.

The result sends Bayern 13 points clear at the top of the table with 76 points and relegates Darmstadt. Good luck next season, Darmstadt.