Bayern Munich, holding the trophy, practically ensured the qualification for the quarterfinals, from the knockout stages of the Champions League, by going to outclass Lazio in Rome 4 goals to 1, Tuesday February 23. For its part, Chelsea won against Atlético Madrid (1-0), in a match relocated to Bucharest.
Lazio Rome – Bayern Munich (1-4)
The collective power of Bayern Munich crushed Lazio in Rome (4-1). Deprived of several holders (Benjamin Pavard, Serge Gnabry, Thomas Müller…), Bayern definitely has deep pockets. Former Robert Lewandowski (9e) like the brand new Jamal Musiala (24e), barely 17, each scored one goal. “Lewa” climbs alone on the podium of the top scorers of the competition. With this 72e goal, he overtakes Raul (71). But Cristiano Ronaldo (135) and Lionel Messi (119) are too far.
Lazio, who had not reached this level for twenty years, celebrated it by offering gifts like Christmas … An unfortunate pass from Mateo Musacchio allowed the Polish striker to open the scoring, then Patric hampered everything alone and offered a counter ball to Kingsley Coman who served Leroy Sané (42e). Finally, Francesco Acerbi scored against his camp (47e), hypnotized by Sané’s conjuring act.
Joaquin Correa (49e) saved the Lazial honor. And to think that Bayern was not in great shape with a point taken out of six possible in the Bundesliga …
But the Olimpico succeeds at Bayern, who had already gone 7-1 to AS Roma under Rudi Garcia, in the group stage in 2015 (Lewandowski had already scored). The holder can already think of the quarter-finals.
Atlético Madrid – Chelsea (0-1)
While Bayern knocked out Lazio, Atlético and Chelsea lulled viewers to sleep in Bucharest, where the game was relocated. Diego Simeone’s defense locked the match, Olivier Giroud, holder, was tied up by the Stefan Savic-Felipe hinge.
But the striker of the Blues released a brilliant gesture one of the rare times when he escaped the eye of the guards, a return of any beauty. German referee Felix Brych and his assistants initially refused the goal for offside, depriving the match of its only spark. But a long video refereeing sequence (VAR) made it possible to verify that it is indeed the Madrid defender Mario Hermoso who touches the ball and sends it in candle for the smash of Giroud.
Ex-Parisian Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea deserved their victory, for trying to play, especially in the second half. Already surprised this weekend at home by the modest Levante (2-0), the leader of La Liga had a bad week.
The Blues are well placed to take their revenge for the 2014 Champions League semi-final, where Atlético eliminated them (0-0 / 3-1). Return matches scheduled for March 17.
