Bayern Munich have it all to do to save themselves from an early exit from the Champions League after a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the first leg of their last-16 knockout tie.
Thomas Tuchel’s position was already under increased scrutiny following their humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday, which leaves them five points adrift in the Bundesliga title race.
Tuchel’s men had the chance to put things right with stalwarts Joshua Kimmich and Thomas Muller recalled to the starting XI. But it made little difference to a Bayern side clearly struggling to find their best form under the German coach.
In a first half where opportunity came few and far between, Harry Kane, Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala all squandered half chances to put the visitors in front as the two sides couldn’t be separated at halftime.
Just minutes after the break, Lazio missed a golden chance to go ahead when Luis Alberto lofted the ball over the top to Gustav Isaksen, but the Dane couldn’t find a way past the indomitable Manuel Neuer.
Upamecano’s moment of madness
It wasn’t until the 67th minute that something of note finally happened when Dayot Upamecano was shown a straight red card by referee Francois Letexier for a robust challenge on Isaksen, catching the winger high on the ankle inside the penalty area. As a result, Lazio were awarded a penalty and a chance to strike a double blow to Bayern.
Up stepped Ciro Immobile from the spot and the Italian made no mistake, giving the hosts a precious lead and a man advantage on the night.
Bayern responded by sending on Eric Maxim Choupo Moting and Mathys Tel for Muller and Sane late on in search of an equaliser, but with a man down and a quiet night for their talisman Harry Kane, it proved to be all in vain.
Bayern have left themselves with a difficult task to overturn the tie – and only a huge improvement at the Allianz Arena will rescue them in the second leg. Lazio, meanwhile, will be delighted with pulling off the shock of the knockout round so far.
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