A pulsating atmosphere filled the Allianz Arena as Bayern Munich clawed their way back into the Champions League quarter-finals with a dominant 3-0 victory over Lazio. Despite trailing on aggregate after the first leg, a Harry Kane double and a resurgent Bayern performance sent the home crowd into raptures.
While the Bundesliga title seems to be slipping away and key players are underperforming, Bayern rediscovered their European magic. Their potent frontline, featuring the in-form Kane, proved too much for a Lazio side that faded after a bright start.
The turning point arrived in a dramatic two-minute spell. Ciro Immobile’s glaring miss for Lazio was immediately punished by Kane’s headed opener. This swift response encapsulated the ruthlessness that has often defined Bayern’s European success.
Thomas Müller added another before half-time, and Kane completed the scoring with a tap-in after the break. The clinical finishing was a stark contrast to Lazio’s lack of attacking threat, as they failed to register a single shot on target.
“We managed to be focused and disciplined,” explained a slightly injured Thomas Tuchel, Bayern’s manager. “We understood when to attack and when to be patient. In the end, it looked easier than it was.”
Maurizio Sarri’s Lazio, effective in the first leg with their counter-attacking approach, couldn’t cope with Bayern’s intensity once they fell behind. Felipe Anderson and Ciro Immobile, usually Lazio’s danger men, were nullified.
Sarri’s decision to withdraw Immobile for a less prolific substitute late on highlighted Lazio’s struggles to adapt their tactics. Their inability to score from behind exemplifies their Serie A woes, where they have dropped the most points in such situations.
While Bayern still face challenges – inconsistent performances from key players and defensive vulnerabilities – this win reignites their belief.
“Nights like this can really change the season,” said Kane, echoing the sentiments of a rejuvenated Bayern squad. For them, it was a night of healing, a chance to turn a corner, and perhaps, to dream of European glory once more.