The power, the emotions, the volume, the togetherness… They were all spot on at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday evening. It was the Champions League. It was superb! And, above all, it was once again an excellent performance from our Bayern in the round of 16 second leg against Lazio.
“The team showed what they’re capable of,” stated president Herbert Hainer.
You could see and feel everywhere how good it was. The joy and relief were reflected in the emotional celebrations after Harry Kane and Thomas Müller scored, both on the faces of the players and those delighted in the stands. The lap of honour after the final whistle was also great to see despite the pouring rain. These players and fans remain a force to be reckoned with when they stick together.
Fifth straight quarter-finals
“We’re obviously very happy and will try to enjoy this feeling. The team absolutely earned it,” said Müller.
Bayern booked their place in April’s quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory, quickly putting to bed the memories of the 1-0 loss in Rome. The draw for the next round will be made on 15 March, with the Bavarians among Europe’s top eight for the fifth year in a row.
“We’ve achieved our minimum goal in the Champions League. That was important. Now we need a bit of luck in the draw and need to step things up, keep at it, and maintain this momentum,” added coach Thomas Tuchel, looking ahead.
He also gave his all and even hurt his toe in his motivational speech to the team before the game. “I hit it off something,” he revealed.
Solid with right balance
There was obviously a lot of pressure going into the game. Bayern simply had to win. But with every passing moment, every well-constructed attack, there came a greater sense of assurance and ease. The team looked brave and like they were having fun again. Their passes were calm and thought out, resulting in goalscoring opportunities as they worked their way into the Lazio box. They waited until gaps opened, while also finding the right balance between risk and making sure they were covered.
“It was a solid, disciplined performance. We had good rhythm and visibly gained confidence with the goals. A very good team performance saw us win,” Tuchel explained.
Lazio struggled to get out, meaning the goals were seemingly only a matter of time. The way Matthijs de Ligt volleyed towards goal for Müller to turn home the second spoke volumes.
“It was a big game and a big moment in this season. We as the players have the responsibility to give everything in every competition. I’m proud of the boys,” summarised Kane.
Müller added that Lazio weren’t currently in the best shape, but “you still need to turn around a game like this,” explained the veteran, who constantly pushed his teammates on.
“It’s tough when you need to make up a goal against an Italian team. The coaching staff prepared really well, and the team implemented it well,” concluded board member for sport Max Eberl.
Bayern had to deliver “on behalf of the city”, as the impressive tifo from the Südkurve demanded ahead of kick-off. And on behalf of Bayern, we want to thank them for their once again amazing support.
Focus on run-in
Things keep moving quickly for the Reds. Next up is Mainz on Saturday before a visit to Darmstadt ahead of the international break. March then rounds off with Der Klassiker at home to Borussia Dortmund.
The season isn’t over. Not in the Bundesliga, and definitely not in the Champions League.
More reaction to beating Lazio here:
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