Bayern put five past ten-man Beşiktaş
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Article summary
Thomas Müller and Robert Lewandowski both scored twice as Bayern cruised to a 5-0 win against Beşiktaş, who had Domagoj Vida sent off early on.
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Article body
Bayern are in sight of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after a 5-0 victory against Beşiktaş.
The visitors stood firm in the early stages but never recovered from Domagoj Vida's 16th-minute dismissal. It was not until just before half-time, though, that Bayern broke the deadlock thanks to Thomas Müller's close-range finish.
Kingsley Coman swept in early in the second half before Müller again showed his predatory instincts to make it 3-0. Robert Lewandowski got in on the act with two late goals to leave Beşiktaş in need of a record comeback in Istanbul on 14 March.
Key player: Thomas Müller
Few players have benefitted as much from Jupp Heynckes' return as much as Müller. Often sidelined under Carlo Ancelotti, the Bavarian-born forward is enjoying his football at his boyhood club again and is a crucial component of this team. Tonight, he repaid the faith shown in him by scoring two important goals and assisting another in a victory that all but carries his team into the last eight.
Reporter talking points
Jordan Maciel, Bayern: What looked a testing assignment on paper turned into a straightforward evening for the home side, Bayern increasingly asserting their authority over their opponents as time wore on. The German champions are relentless in Munich in this competition, gladly making the most of the opportunity presented to them after Vida was shown a red card.
Cetin Cem Yilmaz, Beşiktaş: Şenol Güneş had described this as "a test against one of Europe's best". The Turkish champions did not pass, though Vida's dismissal played a big part and let it not be forgotten that their first-half display was largely encouraging. There are lessons to be learned here.
Key stats
- Müller has scored 12 round of 16 goals, fewer only than Messi (22) and Ronaldo (19)
- This was Bayern's 14th straight win in all competitions, their 12th in a row at home
- Lewandowski has scored 16 goals in his last 16 UEFA Champions League games
- Bayern have won 20 of their last 21 #UCL home games, including all four this season
- There have only been four bigger round of 16 wins – Bayern are responsible for three of them