Bayern cruises to 5-0 win over Besiktas in Champions League

Posted February 20, 2018 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Bayern's Robert Lewandowski celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Besiktas Istanbul in Munich, southern Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

MUNICH (AP) - Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowski both scored twice as Bayern Munich defeated 10-man Besiktas 5-0 Tuesday to all but secure progress to the Champions League quarterfinals for the seventh straight season.

Mueller opened the scoring from close range in the 43rd minute after Domagoj Vida was sent off early for bringing down Lewandowski as the last defender. Kingsley Coman doubled the lead eight minutes after the break and Mueller grabbed his second midway through the second half.

Lewandowski polished off the win with two late goals to give Bayern a seemingly insurmountable five-goal cushion ahead of the second leg of the last-16 tie in Istanbul on March 14.

After a promising start, Besiktas' hopes took a blow when Vida was sent off in the 16th minute. Lewandowski was free after a mistake from Besiktas captain Atiba Hutchinson and Vida had few options other than to bring him down.

Vagner Love fired a great chance over for the visitors, but Bayern dominated chances thereafter. David Alaba's effort was blocked, then Mats Hummels headed straight at goalkeeper Fabri after a brilliant cross from James.

Just when it looked like Besiktas weathered the storm, Mueller got the breakthrough for Bayern before the break, scoring from close range after good work from Coman.

Lewandowski pulled the ball back for Coman to score early in the second half, and Mueller grabbed his second a quarter-hour later, prodding Joshua Kimmich's cross in from close range.

Bayern kept pushing for more and Lewandowski was quickest to the rebound when Fabri saved Hummels' effort late on, before Mueller set him up for his second.

Chelsea drew 1-1 with Barcelona in Tuesday's other Champions League last-16 game.

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More AP Champions League coverage: https://apnews.com/tag/ChampionsLeague

Bayern's Robert Lewandowski is congratulated by his teammate Thomas Mueller, left, after scoring his side's fifth goal during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Besiktas Istanbul in Munich, southern Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018. (Matthias Balk/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

Bayern's Robert Lewandowski, left, congratulates Kingsley Coman who scored their second goal during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between Bayern Munich and Besiktas Istanbul in Munich, southern Germany, Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2018. (Matthias Balk/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

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