Ten-man Bayern slip to narrow first-leg defeat

FC Bayern fell to a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Munich were dominant for large spells but struggled to find a way through the well-organised home defence. The day turned sour when Dayot Upamecano saw a red card for a challenge on Gustav Isaksen in the box, with Ciro Immobile converting from the spot.

The Bavarians lined up with Manuel Neuer in goal and Noussair Mazraoui, Upamecano, Minjae Kim and Raphaël Guerreiro in defence. Leon Goretzka and Joshua Kimmich anchored a midfield featuring Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller and Jamal Musiala, with Harry Kane as the target man. Matthijs de Ligt, Mathys Tel and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting took over from Goretzka, Sané and Müller in the second half.

First-half stalemate

Bayern got off to the better start, Kimmich miscuing from the edge of the box before Kane fired over from close distance. Munich dominated proceedings, but Lazio settled to the task now and were solid at the back, with clear-cut chances at a premium.

Sané curled inches wide from a free-kick and Mario Gila beat Kane to a cross. Musiala failed to crown fine interplay when he aimed too high, and the contest was goalless at half-time.

Tough going

The home side upped the pressure after the interval, Neuer denying Isaksen before Kim made a block against Felipe Anderson. Gila beat Musiala to a cross, with Kane putting a header over the bar.

Munich were reduced to ten men when Upamecano upended Isaksen in the box and received his marching orders, Immobile converting the ensuing penalty. FCB went looking for a response despite the red card, Kim heading just over. Kane saw an effort blocked before Kim made a block against Anderson as the first leg ended in a defeat for Bayern.

The Bavarians will be back in action on Sunday when they travel to face Bochum in the Bundesliga. Bayern and Lazio will meet again in the second leg on 5 March.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen