It did look as though Bayern were not ready for the spirit and tenacious audacity displayed by Getafe who probably won fans over the two-legs. After all, who doesn't like watching an underdog push a giant like Bayern to the brink?

In the first leg, the Germans led 1-0 before the Spaniards impressively struck back as a result of a sloppy defensive miscue on the part of Bayern. Leading up tot he goal it looked like a comdey of errors as Bayen forgot how to play sound, composed defense. Indeed, for a team that was expected to run through the UEFA cup, the Germans seemed to look  anything but a focused side. Getafe for their part played with purpose and hung around long enough to capitalize on their opportunity.

With a 1-1 draw in their pocket, Getafe headed home. And it looked like for large parts of the game that Bayern had finally met their match. After going down to ten men, Getafe moved forward and looked like the more dangerous side. They held onto a 1-0 lead until the dying moments when Frank Ribery tied the game in the 88th minute.

Extra time beckoned.

Exhausted and one man short it looked like it was game over for Getafe.

As I watched, I could not believe what was unfolding before my eyes. First, Getafe went up 2-1 and then 3-1! Could it be? Was Bayern Munich, one of the all time great European teams, about to go down to defeat with a whimper?

Then Bayern awoke, as all giants are apt to do, and Luca Toni (who is fast staking his claim as one of the world's great strikers) magically struck twice to give Bayern a 3-3 draw and the victory given the three away goals they scored over two legs.

Oh, the injustice! The shock! Getafe could not hold on. And if there's anything about great teams we've learned over the years is that they can be outplayed but still win.

The tough city of Getafe, not free of its problems, almost had a recent to celebrate into the night. It was not meant to be. However, it does say a lot about the quality of Spanish soccer when a 12th place team can put a scare into a team leading the Bundesliga.

Getafe must keep their heads up. It was a remarkable effort. Dreams don't always come true but daring to have one is sometimes enough to leave a lasting impression.

They have given soccer fans something to remember.