Ribéry and Alaba strike up strong partnership

Franck Ribéry and David Alaba have always gotten along well, with the pair exchanging gags and witticisms ever since the Austrian stepped up to the pro ranks late in the 2008/09 campaign. They frequently fall into deep conversation, and frequently celebrate together. The Frenchman has even picked up a spot of Alaba's typically Viennese irony, as the full-back recently revealed with a grin. The gifted winger from the northern French coast and the Austrian with Nigerian and Philippine roots have struck up a highly productive partnership, much in evidence in Tuesday evening’s victory over Madrid. Ribéry, a handful for the Spaniards all night, opened the scoring after 17 minutes, “and had a terrific game," as Jupp Heynckes enthused. Franck received outstanding support down the left from Alaba, who has been stationed at left back for the last five weeks. “He's a really good lad," the France international said in praise of the 19-year-old. Alaba's dynamism, ceaseless running and footballing brain have made him a perfect foil for Ribéry's skills and tricks. The Austrian watches the Frenchman's back, and is increasingly willing to get forward in support of attacking moves down the left flank. “He's only just 19 but he has loads of quality. He’s playing really well," said Ribéry, “obviously, I let him know when his passes come up short, but I always remain positive. That's what he needs and it's very important." Alaba grateful to the boss “Franck does his thing really well with me," responded Alaba, “he always tries to help me a lot both on and off the field, which is very, very good for me as a young player." David, Bayern's youngest player of all time in the Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB Cup, Austria's youngest full international, and the youngest man ever to be named Austrian player of the year, also handed great credit to the head coach: “Mr Heynckes has played a huge part in my development. He has a great way of dealing with us younger players." Alaba learned the trade in midfield, but the Real clash was his baptism of fire at left back. Regardless of his direct opponent – Angel di Maria, Mezut Ozil, Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema – the youngster held his own against the world-class stars. “I just concentrated on doing my job and playing my football," he said, “I think I was really okay tonight." Chorus of praise Heynckes said he was pleased with Alaba's attacking efforts. “In the second half, David found more and more space to attack and was increasingly confident. He didn't just support Franck, he created situations in the box," the coach said. “He's a huge win for the team, and he’s come on exceptionally well. What's more, he's definitely a long way off the finished product yet." Alaba is aware he still has “a tough road to travel. I'm still right at the start," he opined. Ribéry gives him a role model on the left for orientation and learning purposes. The Frenchman was in electric form against the men from Madrid. “Franck Ribéry was really up for it from the first minute onwards," said Heynckes, offering a word of explanation for the player’s desire: “His greatest dream is to appear in the final." Bitter ban in 2010 Two years ago, the 29-year-old missed out on the Champions League final after collecting a controversial red card in the semis. He is utterly determined to make up for the disappointment this season, although he knows all too well that a huge amount of work lies ahead in the return. “We're not through to the final yet. There's still a match in Madrid, and that'll be very, very complicated," he warned. However, Bayern fans can rest assured he will go to the Bernabéu next Wednesday utterly determined to end the evening in celebrations with his team-mates and especially his comrade on the left, David Alaba.