Responsible for the fifth Munich goal: Joshua Kimmich
Photo: POOL / REUTERSFC Bayern Munich has come one step closer to winning the Champions League. In the quarter-finals against FC Barcelona, the German record champions were clearly superior and won 8: 2 (4: 1).
The goals for Munich were scored by Thomas Müller (4th and 31st minutes), Ivan Perisic (21st), Serge Gnabry (27th), Joshua Kimmich (63rd), Robert Lewandowski (82nd) and Philippe Coutinho (85th, 89.). In the interim equalization, Barça benefited from an own goal by David Alabas (7th), while Luis Suárez scored the second goal (57th).
Next Wednesday (9 p.m., TV: Sky), FC Bayern will compete in the semi-finals against the winner of the last quarter-final pairing: Manchester City or Olympique Lyon, who will duel on Saturday (9 p.m., stream: Dazn).
Just three full minutes had passed when Bayern took the lead. On the left, Perisic had plenty of time for a cross to Müller. He let the ball bounce directly to Robert Lewandowski, got it back immediately and closed with the weaker, left foot.
Alaba's own goal a little later was his first in 384 appearances for Bayern. The Austrian wanted to intercept a cross pass from Jordi Alba to Suárez with a tackle, but deflected the ball so that Manuel Neuer could no longer prevent the goal. Shortly afterwards, the German national goalkeeper was there when Suárez had the chance to make it 2-1 from close range (9th).
Barcelona dissolves
Barça took the next corner briefly, after which Lionel Messi crossed into the penalty area - and almost hit the goal because no one went to the ball. The post saved Bayern from falling behind (10th).
Barcelona had big problems building up the game to overcome Munich's pressing. Like in the 21st minute, when Nelson Semedo played an unwise short pass to Roberto about 35 meters from his own goal, who lost the ball to Gnabry. He picked up the pace, delayed until Perisic had run behind him and put the ball in front of the Croatian for another opening goal.
Barcelona looked taken by surprise, Bayern, however, concentrated - and creative. The 3: 1 fell after a no-look pass from Thiago to Leon Goretzka, who lobbed the ball over Clement Lenglet into Gnabry's barrel, which allowed him to finish freely.
Barca goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen did not perform well either. After a bad pass by the German Robert Lewandowski could have increased, but the Pole missed the goal (29th). It doesn't take long until the fourth goal: Kimmich played sharply from the right wing to the first post, where Müller hit the toe for the second time.
Short hope after the break
Never before had a team conceded four goals so early in the knockout phase of the Champions League. Nevertheless, Barça did not give up: No further goal was scored by half time, and shortly after the restart, Suárez even reduced it to 2: 4. But a 19-year-old stifled the Catalans' hopes in the bud.
Alphonso Davies beat three opponents in a row in dribbling, was not attacked when running along the baseline and crossed for Kimmich, who only had to push in. The game was finally decided. Lewandowski increased his head (82nd) before substitute Philippe Coutinho scored a brace (85th and 89th). It was the first time that a team has scored eight goals in the knockout phase of the premier class.
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