Robert Lewandowski and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting were on target as Bayern Munich beat Lazio 2-1 (6-2 agg.) to qualify for the Champions League quarter-finals.
Coming into the game on the back of a 4-1 drubbing in the first leg, Lazio started with good energy and intensity at the Allianz Arena, but it was Bayern Munich who broke the deadlock on the night in the 33rd minute through a Robert Lewandowski penalty after Leon Goretzka had been brought down in the box.
There was not much in way of goalmouth action from that point on up until the 66th minute, when Lewandowski hit the base of the post before substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting doubled the Bavarians’ lead seven minutes later to put the result beyond any doubt, although Lazio did manage to get a consolation goal through Marco Parolo late in the game.
Bayern never really hit top gear on Wednesday night, but were able to seal safe passage through to the quarter-finals with a 6-2 aggregate win over the Serie A outfit. Here’s how we rated the performances of Hansi Flick’s men at the Allianz Arena.
Alexander Nubel: 5.5/10
Came into the side in place of captain Manuel Neuer who missed out due to illness. Had very little to do on the night with Lazio hardly posing a goal threat. Did stay alert, though, but was easily beaten by Parolo for the late goal.
Benjamin Pavard: 6.5/10
A solid display from the Frenchman who did not provide the likes of Mohammed Fares an inch on his flank, making three tackles, two interceptions and three clearances as well. Was not able to get involved much in the attacking side of things but a steady display nonetheless.
Jerome Boateng: 6/10
Another player who was not asked to do much on the night, with Lazio going into the game without their ace goalscorer Ciro Immobile. Did the basics well, passed out from the back efficiently before being given a rest for the second half.
David Alaba: 7/10
Bring on the last 8! @FCBayern pic.twitter.com/tGSpCnBvtb
— David Alaba (@David_Alaba) March 17, 2021
Back into the side after recovering from an injury, the Austrian was an influential presence at the back. Was not afraid to push high up to win back possession as he made a couple of interceptions and a tackle. Distribution was spot on and was much more involved in attack once he moved into midfield in the latter stages of the game, creating a chance for Lewandowski before setting Choupo-Moting up for the second goal.
Lucas Hernandez: 6.5/10
Moved to the left-back slot after starting at centre-back last time out. Much like his compatriot Pavard on the opposite flank, Hernandez was also a solid presence in the backline if not spectacular. Did his job efficiently, making five tackles and an interception. Not much in the way of attacking contribution, however.
Joshua Kimmich: 8/10
Was not stretched much on the night as Lazio did not threaten a great deal after the early period of intense pressing. Given time on the ball to dictate play, he did so effectively, spraying forward passes with accuracy as he made a game-high four key passes while completing 89% of his passes. Completed the joint-most six dribbles as well, while letting little get past him.
Josua Kimmich for Bayern vs. Lazio:
◉ Most ball recoveries (10)
◉ Most passes into the box (9)
◉ Most duels won (8)
◉ Most take-ons completed (6)
◉ Most chances created (4)◎ 100% take-ons completed
◎ 89% pass accuracy
◎ 89% duels wonHe does it all. (@Footstock)
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 17, 2021
Leon Goretzka: 7/10
Strong, aggressive display in the midfield engine room from the German international. Got forward well when needed to and won the penalty leading to the opening goal. Did the defensive side of things fairly well too, making a couple of tackles and interceptions each. Booked.
Leroy Sane: 6.5/10
Replaced the injured Kingsley Coman in the side. Not quite at his devastating best but still posed a threat each time he ran at the Lazio defence, although those moments did not come regularly enough. Did play in a couple of key passes one of which should have been converted by Serge Gnabry. Fired a couple of efforts wide himself.
Thomas Muller: 5/10
A quiet game for the stand-in Bayern Munich captain who was not involved a great deal on the night. Failed to make a single pass or have a single shot at goal, while completing just 73% of his passes before being taken off.
Serge Gnabry: 5.5/10
Had a few moments when he linked up nicely with the likes of Muller, Alaba and Lewandowski but was not really a major threat on the night. Should have done better with the late chance that Sane fashioned for him.
Robert Lewandowski: 7/10
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⚽️He's only failed to score in three games. #UCL pic.twitter.com/sEsY6C0EHZ
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) March 17, 2021
Got his 39th goal of the season with a well-taken penalty. Could have set up his teammates early in the second half but went for the goal and was denied. Came close to adding another but could only manage to hit the woodwork. Sharp and effective as always. Made way for Choupo-Moting.
SUBSTITUTES
Niklas Sule: 6/10
Half-time substitute for Boateng. Kept it simple and solid at the back.
Alphonso Davies: 6.5/10
Sent on in place of Goretzka. Slotted in at left-back, with Hernandez moving to centre-back and Alaba into midfield. Livened things up on the left side with his pace and forward bursts.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting: 7/10
Came on to replace Lewandowski for the final twenty minutes. Took his chance beautifully just a couple of minutes after coming on to kill the game.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting wraps it up for Bayern with a delicate finish! ⚽
Hansi Flick's side cut Lazio apart with two passes ? pic.twitter.com/ugLuk2JH1g
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 17, 2021
Jamal Musiala: 5/10
Replaced Muller in the 71st minute. Did not see much of the ball.
Javi Martinez: N/A
On for Kimmich with less than 15 minutes left. Could have done better leading up to Lazio’s late goal.
