Bayern Munich all but sealed a place in the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to a 5-0 drubbing of 10-man Besiktas but Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben were not completely satisfied with the performance.
Muller scored twice as German champions Bayern took control of the last-16 tie following Domagoj Vida’s early red card during Tuesday’s opening leg at the Allianz Arena in Munich.
Vida was sent off for a mistimed tackle as the last man but Besiktas continued to frustrate Bayern despite their numerical disadvantage, until Muller broke the Turkish side’s stubborn resistance four minutes before half-time.
The floodgates opened in the second half, with Muller and Kingsley Coman on target, while Robert Lewandowski netted a late brace.
“The red card helped, even though we couldn’t properly take advantage in the first half – we weren’t aggressive enough,” Muller told Sky.
“Going forward we need to play like we did in the second, be bold and attack.”
#FCBayern build big first leg advantage over Besiktas in @ChampionsLeague last 16
Report https://t.co/VLw7FuCwLx #MiaSanMia #FCBBJK pic.twitter.com/uCljwYgkTH
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) February 20, 2018
It was Bayern’s 14th successive victory in all competitions and their 12th on the bounce at home.
But Arjen Robben – who replaced James Rodriguez prior to the interval – added: “We weren’t good enough in the first half.
“The coach addressed this at the break and we came out much better in the second half, as reflected by the scoreline.”
Bayern will travel to Istanbul for the return leg on March 14.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.