Bayern thrash India 4-0 in Bhaichung farewell match

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German giants Bayern Munich expectedly thrashed the Indian national team 4-0 in Bhaichung Bhutia's farewell match, which had little in quality but made up by big response from the fans, here today.

Around 35,000 crowd watched the match at the floodlit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium but the national team, led for the last time by Bhaichung, was no match for the highly-fancied Bayern Munich side who had overwhelming ball possession and did most of the attacking.

Bhaichung, who was Indian football's posterboy for 16 years since he made his international debut in 1995 till last year, played for 85 minutes before being replaced by C.S. Sabeeth and he was given a standing ovation by the crowd.

All the Indian players shook his hands, just like some Bayern players, as he made his way to the bench.

Bayern, four-time UEFA Champions League winners, scored through Mario Gomez (14th minute), Thomas Mueller (29th and 37th) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (43rd).

The German side started with their first eleven except for Franck Ribery and toyed with the Indians, attacking almost at will. The Indians, on the other hand, were content with defending their citadel without having a single clear shot at the opposition goal.

Coach Jupp Heynckes made several changes in his side in the beginning of second half, including Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm and Thomas Mueller, while India brought in striker Jeje Lalpekhlua in place Sushil Kumar.

Climax Lawrence came in place of Rocus Lamare while Subhashish Roy Chowdhury replaced Karanjit under the bar.

With most of first team players at the bench, Bayern could not score in the second half with Indian goalie Subhashish also bringing some fine saves.

The friendly between the two sides was part of the Audi Football Summit.

An emotional Bhutia waved to the crowd as he walked.

"It was a dream come true for me. Never imagined that I would get such grand farewell from the Indian fans and that too against a team like Bayern Munich. The match will also be a learning experience for the Indian team as well," he said.

Bhutia was gifted an Audi Q8 SUV by the German carmaker, which is also a major shareholder in the management of Bayern Munich.