MUNICH, Germany (AFP) — Bayern Munich stunned Manchester United 2-1 in their Champions League quarter-final first leg yesterday, with an injury-time goal by Ivica Olic evoking memories of their famous clash in 1999.

The match was eagerly anticipated as a re-run of the famous thrilling Champions League final in 1999 when two dramatic goals right at the end of the game took the trophy to Old Trafford in a devastating blow to the Germans.

This time round, United struck right at the beginning of the match, with England striker Wayne Rooney latching on to a deflected free-kick and smashing home a close-range volley for his 34th goal of the season with only 66 seconds played.

Bayern were left to rue a golden opportunity half-way through the first period as Olic somehow missed from about a yard out completely unmarked in front of goal.

Rooney missed a gilt-edged chance of his own in front of goal before the end of an open and entertaining first half which produced only one goal but could have seen a half-dozen as both teams concentrated on attacking football.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson called on his side to step up their effort in the second half but it was the home side who started the brighter with several shots on goal in the first few minutes of the second period.

And Bayern continued to dominate the second half, fully deserving their equaliser after when a long-range free-kick from the impressive French international Franck Ribery deflected off Rooney past a helpless van der Sar.

During a frantic last 10 minutes, United defender Nemanja Vidic clattered the bar and Gomez forced van der Sar into a last-ditch save during injury time.

But the van der Sar was helpless as Olic weaved his way through the United defence and slotted home in the second minute of injury time.

Ferguson accepted that the better side had prevailed.

“We didn’t play well and we kept on giving the ball away,” said the Scotsman.

“Bayern were better than us and we can’t deny that either.

“They pressed us really hard and we cracked a bit. The last goal was a terrible one to give away.

“However, the game at Old Trafford will be a different one and we will be much better. No doubt about that. We have an away goal and that is an advantage.”

As a further blow to Ferguson and England, Rooney hobbled off the pitch at full time after a clash with Gomez.

“He’s got a kick in the ankle, we’ll just have to see tomorrow. Let’s hope it’s not too serious,” said Ferguson.

The English side came into the clash in stunning form, having won their last seven games, including a 4-0 thumping of Italian giants AC Milan and a satisfying 2-1 defeat of fierce rivals Liverpool at home.

Coming in to the quarter-final clash, the Reds were undefeated in their last 17 European encounters, a point made forcefully by coach Sir Alex Ferguson before the game.