Bayern dismantled Lazio and overturned the first-leg 1-0 deficit to qualify for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. Goals from Harry Kane and Thomas Muller sealed a comprehensive victory over the Italian club. Thomas Tuchel may be on his way out, but he remains on course to repeat the feat he had enjoyed with Chelsea in 2021, when he unexpectedly won this very competition.
In the other game of the night, Paris Saint-Germain confirmed their superiority over Real Sociedad as Kylian Mbappe scored two more goals for the French champions.
In the south of Germany, Lazio tactician Maurizio Sarri set up his team defensively to try and contain the Bavarians, but it’s a recipe that was doomed from the start. For all the problems Bayern have had this season, it was simply unthinkable for them not to come up with the goods on the Champions League’s return to their Allianz Arena.
Around 75.000 people watched the red-and-whites tighten the noose around the Italian side, with young midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic pulling the strings in a strong-looking set-up including Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka. The game kicked off with both teams displaying their attacking intent, but it was Bayern Munich who took control early on. In the 38th minute, Harry Kane found space inside the box and scored with a terrific header inside the left post, giving goalkeeper Ivan Provedel no chance and putting the German side level on aggregate.Harry Kane now has 33 goals in 33 appearances for Bayern Munich after scoring two vs. Lazio 💫 pic.twitter.com/guqgsWZjZY— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 5, 2024 Bayern Munich continued to apply pressure, and their efforts paid off just before halftime. Muller capitalized on some space inside the box and scored with a crashing header into the middle of the net in the 45th minute, doubling the lead to 2-0 going into the break.The second half saw Bayern Munich maintain their momentum, with the former Tottenham Hotspur captain adding to their lead in the 66th minute. Kane had the simplest of tasks to roll the ball into an empty net from close range after a rebound left the keeper stranded, extending the Bavarians’ lead to 3-1 over two legs.
Lazio tried to mount a comeback, but Bayern Munich’s defence held firm, thwarting any attempts from the visitors to find a way back into the game. The Italians had only one notable chance all night, captain Ciro Immobile missing an open header with the scoreline reading 1-0. The moment was fleeting and the experienced striker later had to be substituted after picking up an injury. There was no going back for the Biancocelesti.
The game in San Sebastian offered very little in terms of drama. Despite brave Real Sociedad butting on an attacking show, flashes of Mbappe’s quality killed off any of their remaining hopes in the tie. Luis Enrique’s side further increased the two-goal lead they earned in the first leg at Parc des Princes. The hosts’ captain Mikel Merino scored a late consolation goal as La Real bowed out of the Champions League. Next season, they maybe won’t host PSG again – but they will get a visit from Mr Mbappe.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE1/8 finals – second legTuesdayBayern – Lazio 3-0 (2-0)/Kane 38, 66, Muller 45+2/Bayern win 3-1 on aggregate.Real Sociedad – Paris Saint-Germain 1-2 (0-1)/Merino 89 – Mbappe 15, 56/Paris Saint-Germain win 4-1 on aggregate.Wednesday23:00: (1.60) Real Madrid (4.20) RB Leipzig (6.00) /first leg 1-0/23:00: (1.15) Man.City (8.00) Copenhagen (16.0) /first leg 3-1/Tuesday the 12th23:00: (1.77) Barcelona (3.60) Napoli (4.80) /first leg 1-1/23:00: (1.28) Arsenal (5.70) Porto (10.5) /first leg 0-1/Wednesday the 13th23:00: (3.05) Atl.Madrid (3.30) Inter (2.55) /first leg 0-1/23:00: (2.15) Dortmund (3.50) PSV (3.30) / first leg 1-1/***odds are subject to change***