Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben expressed his frustration at the defensive tactics employed by Manchester United in their Champions League quarter-final tie on Tuesday night.
Despite only having 26% of possession, United managed to clinch a 1-1 draw thanks to Nemanja Vidic's header.
Said Robben: "We wanted to play football but they tried to stop us, just playing on the counter-attack, it was almost like handball."
"It was not easy, as Manchester United played very defensively and didn't leave any gaps."
Handball teams tend to employ a barrier defence, often using all seven players on the team. They attempt to maintain a highly disciplined shape on the edge of the penalty area, waiting for a chance to catch the opposition on the break.
Bayern manager Pep Guardiola, when not very mildly admonishing journalists, echoed Robben's sentiments. "When you see the second half and you see nine players in the box, it is not easy," he said. "It's important that we controlled so well in this situation and we played with patience and found the goal."
For more on the handball comparison, have a look at the clip below and judge for yourself. Aside from showing the semi-circle of defensive players waiting for an opportunity to break, it also includes one of the bravest and best-timed interventions you'll see in any game.
[BBC]
