Bayern Munich paid respect to the Munich Air Disaster before beating Manchester United 3-2 at Old Trafford in the Women’s Champions League on Wednesday night.
The 67th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster was commemorated last month, as tributes took place in Manchester and Munich, for the victims and survivors as well as their loved ones.
It will forever be known as the darkest day in United’s history, as it cost the lives of eight players and Sir Matt Busby sustained injuries, leaving him in hospital, with reason for many to fear the worst.
The crash happened in Munich following a match in Belgrade, following the aircraft’s third take-off attempt. Bayern Munich have always gone the extra mile to pay their respects as a result.
Old Trafford before Manchester United take on Bayern Munich in the Women's Champions League
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Feel free to leave your tributes to the Busby Babes and the lives lost in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster
If you were old enough to see the 1958 team, please share your memories / Younger readers, let us know what the team means to you…
Munich tribute
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Bayern Munich president visits Munich clock at Old Trafford
It was a big night at Old Trafford for the Manchester United Women’s team.
Bayern Munich were visiting for their Champions League quarter-finals first-leg tie, with 7,513 in attendance at Old Trafford.
Ahead of the game, Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer took time to lay a wreath under the Munich clock.
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“We will always remember the ‘Flowers of Manchester’,” said Hainer.
“Particularly at a time in which divisive forces are threatening social cohesion and democratic values in Europe and across the world, it’s our joint legacy that the ‘Flowers of Manchester’ never be allowed to wither.”
He added: “We speak about people, about fates – and about the fact that at a time when the wounds of the Second World War had not yet healed, Manchester United and FC Bayern became symbols that you can find common ground again.”
This gesture will be appreciated by United fans, as is everything they’ve done to show their respect to the Munich Air Disaster over the years.
The Busby Babes reached the European Cup semi-finals in 1957 and 1958
Were the Busby Babes destined to go all the way in the European Cup before the Munich air disaster?
Were the Busby Babes destined to go all the way in the European Cup before the Munich air disaster?
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Bayern Munich beat Man Utd Women at Old Trafford
The game itself went in Bayern Munich Women’s favour, winning 3-2.
United did manage to come back from behind, but an 84th-minute winner by Momoko Tanikawa sealed the win for the German side.
That means Bayern take a one-goal lead into the second leg, holding an advantage to qualify for the Champions League semi-finals.
Bayern can be credited with showing their class on and off the pitch on the night.
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