Bayern Munich booked their place in the Champions League semi-finals as they held a spirited Sevilla side to a 0-0 draw at Allianz Arena on Wednesday
The hosts were missing their usual verve and precision in attack all night long, and it was Sevilla who turned out to be the dominant of the two sides. Joaquin Correa had the biggest chance in the first half when his header hit the bar, while Pablo Sarabia also had a fantastic chance for Sevilla to grab the lead.
The chances came few and far between for Bayern, for whom Robert Lewandowski and Franck Ribery came the closest to scoring. The biggest incident of the match saw Correa being sent off in the dying moments of the game for a wild challenge on Javi Martinez.
Job done ?#FCBayern reach the semi-finals of the @ChampionsLeague! #FCBSFC pic.twitter.com/FXwsX1spvz
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) April 11, 2018
Ultimately, it ended goalless – the first time in 22 Champions League games that Bayern had failed to score at home. Die Roten though, qualified for the semi-finals by an aggregate scoreline of 2-1, joining Liverpool, Real Madrid and AS Roma in the Last Four. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over Jupp Heynckes’s men.
Sven Ulreich: 6/10
Ulreich did not have much to do as far as shot stopping was concerned, with Sevilla not managing a major chance despite their dominance. Did play a crucial role in build-up play though, while also being effective as a sweeper keeper. But, he could be counting his days between the sticks, with Manuel Neuer nearing his return.
Joshua Kimmich: 7/10
Solid at the back for the most part, bar a few lapses in concentration. Kimmich regularly looked to advance forward, striking a fantastic partnership with Arjen Robben on the right flank. He even led his side with four key passes, but his attacking pursuits didn’t amount to much on the night.
Jerome Boateng: 7/10
Boateng has been in his elements of late, and it showed once again on Wednesday as he successfully kept Wissam Ben Yedder quiet alongside Mats Hummels. Apart from providing a solid presence at the back, the German international was also a fine outlet from defence, providing several pinpoint long passes to open up play.
Mats Hummels: 7/10
Hummels was in fine form on the night, killing off the spaces in between the lines, positioning himself smartly and reading the game efficiently. Boasted a team-high four interceptions – crucial in keeping things tight at the back. Like Boateng, Hummels distributed well too, also managing three dribbles in the game.
Rafinha: 8.5/10
Our best player and the man of the match today, Rafinha! ?? #FCBSFC pic.twitter.com/MHsJSQZc0D
— Home Bayern (@HomeBayern___) April 11, 2018
The man of the match on Wednesday. Rafinha was a major reason why Bayern didn’t concede a single goal on the night and kept their aggregate lead intact. A couple of last-ditch challenges helped keep their clean sheet, and the player showed the intent to recycle the ball quickly and move forward to get his own side a goal. Incredible desire.
Javi Martinez: 6.5/10
A typically unspectacular, yet effective Javi Martinez performance. The Spaniard was industrious in his presence in the middle of the park, absorbing whatever pressure Sevilla looked to throw at him down the middle astutely. Also combined well with James Rodriguez to move the play forward quickly.
James Rodriguez: 6.5/10
Deployed deeper than usual in the absence of Arturo Vidal, James took to his new role quite well. Early into the game, he showcased his defensive abilities with a perfectly timed challenge that kept the score goalless. While he did pass the ball well, finding teammates in pockets of spaces, the usual incisiveness was missing.
Arjen Robben: 6.5/10
A bundle of energy – one doesn’t usually say that for a 34-year-old, but this is Arjen Robben we are talking about. The veteran put in a big shift in attack, constantly trying to find teammates in dangerous areas, but it all didn’t amount to much. In addition to making 4 key passes, he also took 5 shots (highest for a Bayern player), but it just wasn’t his night.
Thomas Muller: 6/10
An average performance by Muller’s lofty standards. The Bayern skipper just couldn’t do what he does best – end up in dangerous areas in and around the box to find scoring opportunities. Major room for improvement ahead of the semis.
Franck Ribery: 6/10
Ribery, too, was far from his best on Wednesday, with only a few memorable spots in the game. While he showcased some fine understanding with Robben and had one of the best chances for Bayern on the night. But, all too often, his first touch deserted him and his passing was wayward as well, at times.
Robert Lewandowski: 5/10
Lewandowski had a hard time on Wednesday, ending the night battered and bruised. Sevilla looked to neutralise the Pole by constantly fouling him whenever he looked to find himself in some free space. Also took a scar on his eye after clattering into Gabriel Mercado. Should be rested on the weekend for some extra days off.
SUBSTITUTES
Thiago Alcantara: 6/10
Thiago looked intent on creating something on his birthday, but his liveliness didn’t amount to much as an average Bayern side stuttered towards the aggregate win.
