Bayern down Plzen and advance to last 16

FC Bayern beat Viktoria Plzen 4-2 on Wednesday night to advance to the Champions League knockout stages. Sadio Mané, Thomas Müller and two-goal Leon Goretzka handed Munich a comfortable four-goal lead in the first half. Adam Vlkanova and Jan Kliment scored for Plzen but Bayern were never in danger of slipping and won their 11th straight group-stage match, setting a new record in the Champions League.

The Bavarians started with Sven Ulreich in goal and Noussair Mazraoui, Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano and Josip Stanišić in a back four. Joshua Kimmich and Goretzka featured in midfield behind Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané and Mané, with Müller up front. Mathys Tel came on for Müller in the first half and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting replaced Coman at half-time before Goretzka, Upamecano and Sané gave way to Ryan Gravenberch, Paul Wanner and Marcel Sabitzer in the second half.

Leon shines

Once referee Bartosz Frankowski got the game underway, Bayern were in the driving seat, and Sané fired just wide after one minute. Mané handed Bayern an early lead after a one-two with Goretzka. Bayern often found themselves confronted by space rather than opponents, and they doubled the advantage when Coman invited the unmarked Müller to smash home.

Müller teed up Goretzka, who slotted past keeper Stanek. Bayern soon lost possession in their own half, and Ulreich saved from Mosquera and Chory. Mané miscued an effort but Goretzka rounded off his brace when he lobbed Stanek. Coman and Tel saw their efforts saved, but Bayern were four up at half-time.

Reds ease off

Stanek denied Goretzka before Jirka hit the side-netting at the other end as Munich shifted down through the gears. Ulreich made a fine save against Pernica but was unable to prevent Vlkanova from scoring.

Tel fired over before Kliment blasted home on the spin, making it two for the home side. Stanek directed a Gravenberch effort onto the bar before another Tel shot shaved the bar. Victory guarantees Bayern a top-two spot in Group C and a place in the knockout stage with two games left to play in Barcelona and at home to Inter Milan.

Bayern will be back in action on Sunday when they entertain Freiburg in the Bundesliga.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen