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Champions League: Bayern Munich sneak past Sevilla

Champions League: Bayern Munich sneak past Sevilla

Apr 04, 2018
11:52 am

What's the story

Bayern Munich took a major step towards sealing their spot in the Champions League semi-finals after they came from behind to secure a fortunate 2-1 win over Sevilla in the first leg encounter of the quarter-final. An own goal from former Manchester City winger Jesus Navas and Thiago Alcantara's header were enough to clinch the crucial victory for Bavarian giants. Here's our match report.

Crucial goal

Pablo Sarabia's goal gives Sevilla hope

Sevilla's Pablo Sarabia opened the scoring as the Spanish outfit got off to a brilliant start against the nervy German champions. Sarabia had missed a golden opportunity at the start but didn't miss out on the second chance in the 32nd minute to put the hosts ahead. Bayern had no answers to Sevilla's high-intensity football. Sevilla were better in the first half.

Deflected goals

Lucky Bayern claims first leg advantage

An injury to Arturo Vidal came as a blessing in disguise as he was replaced with James Rodrigues. Rodrigues helped the Bavarians control the ball better in the midfield. The game suddenly took a turn when Navas stretched his boot onto a Franck Ribery cross, which saw the ball deflect into his own goal post. Own goal by Navas was the turning moment.

Fortunate

Thiago grabs the winner for Bayern

Bayern upped the ante in the second half and Thiago Alcantara's header took a wicked deflection leaving Sevilla goalkeeper David Soria helpless. Bayern somehow managed to score 2 goals to extend their winning run in Europe to seven consecutive games. Bayern have failed to progress from only one of their 16 previous Champions League knockout-ties.

Twitter Post

Heynckes sets Champions League record

Surprise package

Sevilla were tougher than expected

Since Jupp Heynckes took over Bayern, they have returned to form after a poor start to the season. The Germans will secure the Bundesliga title if they manage to win at Augsburg on Saturday, four days ahead of the return leg of the Champions League at the Allianz Arena. Sevilla would definitely face a tall order in Munich on April 11.