Champions League: Bayern Munich ease past Juventus

Champions League: Bayern Munich ease past Juventus
Bayern Munich produced a solid performance at home to leave Juventus needing a half-miracle to reach the Champions League semi-finals. The German league leaders made the dream start when David Alaba's deflected 35-yard shot went past Gianluigi Buffon inside 30 seconds. Thomas Mueller made it 2-0 after the break when he tapped in Mario Mandzukic's square pass. Juventus' best chances fell to Arturo Vidal but the Chilean midfielder shot straight at Manuel Neuer on both occasions. Bayern were very confident after recording a 9-2 league success last weekend against Hamburg and they got off to a perfect start as a long range effort from Austrian defender Alaba took a deflection off Vidal and went past goalkeeper Buffon. Juventus tried to react but they were unable to create clear chances, their best opportunity before the break being a 35-yard free kick from Andrea Pirlo. Bayern had to replace injured Toni Kroos with Arjen Robben and the substitute entered the game very well as he created two chances for himself but missed them. Bayern continued to dominate after the break and Buffon denied Mandzukuc before pushing away an outstanding 25-yard free kick from Alaba. The Italian goalie was not as inspired on 63 minutes when he could only parry Luiz Gustavo's shot from distance and Mandzukic pounced on the rebound before setting up the unmarked Muller who applied the finish. Vidal tested Neuer with two powerful shots but that was all Juventus could produce and they are left with a very tough task in the second leg next week. Here are the "to qualify" odds at Bet365 for this quarter final match-up: Bayern Munich to qualify - 1/9 Juventus to qualify - 11/2
General Sportsbook News Sports Events Back to articles