Bayern Munich capitalized on their numerical advantage to grab a crucial 2-0 lead over Arsenal to take back to the Allianz Arena in their Champions League last-16 tie. A fine Toni Kroos strike and then a late header from Thomas Muller saw Bayern capitalize fully on their dominance after Arsenal had been reduced to 10 men in the 38th minute when Wojciech Szczesny was dismissed for taking down Arjen Robben in the box.
Arsenal had escaped further immediate punishment as David Alaba missed his penalty -- the second chance missed from the spot in an enthralling opening half. The home side had defied their recent downturn in form to have the Emirates crowd in raptures in the opening minutes with a rousing start that had the European champions looking genuinely ragged. Crucially, though, they failed to take full advantage of their intense opening. Having won a penalty, Mesut Ozil ambled up to the ball and tried a delicate effort that Manuel Neuer comfortably repelled.
While the pace slowed and Bayern grew into the game, Arsenal will reflect on what might have been had they been allowed to remain at full strength. Bayern, a relentless force with 11 men, proved far too much for Arsenal to handle with 10. Arsenal tried desperately to keep the tie in the balance in a damage limitation exercise, yet Bayern’s quality, with the hugely influential Philipp Lahm moved into midfield to join the brilliant Kroos, was overwhelming. Muller’s goal two minutes from time to add to Kroos’ majestic strike will surely prove too much for Arsenal to overcome, despite memories still being fresh of the Gunners’ 2-0 win at the Allianz Arena 12 months ago. It is hard to imagine Bayern being so complacent this time around.
More to follow.
VIDEO Arsenal 0-2 Bayern Munich: Highlights; Kroos And Muller Goals Give Bayern Big First-Leg Advantage
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