Bayern Munich in control as Arsenal brushed aside

Bayern Munich took control over their Champions’ League last-16 tie after overcoming resilient Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates stadium, effectively snuffing out Arsenal’s hopes of winning the first trophy in eight years.

Midfielder Tony Kroos got Bayern Munich off to a flying start by rifling a perfect half-volley from just outside of the box in the 7th minute. Mueller doubled Bayern’s lead with a close-range finish in the 21st minute. Striker Lucas Podolski pulled one back for Arsenal after 55 minutes with a simple header from a close range. With Arsenal staring at defeat it was Mario Mandžukic who has restored the Bayern’s two-goal lead with a rather fortunate finish from six-yard box in the 77th minute of the game.

The win puts Bayern Munich in the driving seat to progress to the Champions’ League last-8. The London side suffered yet another humiliating defeat, following the elimination from the FA Cup by Championship side Blackburn on Saturday. Now Arsenal have a mountain to climb in Munich, having been knocked out from the Champions’ League at the last-16 stage in the last two years. Taking into account that only twice in Champions’ League history has a team progressed to a next stage in the knockout-round having lost the first leg at home, Arsenal should better be concentrating on their pursuit of fourth Premier League spot.