Thomas Tuchel lives to fight another day in the Bayern Munich dugout following Tuesday night’s Champions League victory over Lazio.
The German champions found themselves a goal down heading into the second leg after a dismal 1-0 defeat in Rome, but a 3-0 victory ensured that they will play in the quarter-finals next month.
It was an accomplished performance from the Bavarians, who went into half-time two goals to the good thanks to headers from Harry Kane and Thomas Muller just before the break.
Kane netted again after the interval to secure Bayern’s safe passage into the final eight, with the hosts producing a crucial win after a challenging few weeks.
Bayern’s struggles in recent weeks have been visibly distressing for Muller, with the 34-year-old taking matters into his own hands against Lazio. The veteran was at the heart of everything for the hosts at the Allianz, with his clever header capping a superb display.
Muller was characteristically energetic in that attacking midfield role, dovetailing nicely with Kane up against the Lazio centre-backs. His work rate was key in Bayern keeping the visitors penned in, and he rolled back the years with a graceful display.
The German was heavily involved in the final third throughout, bagging a crucial goal at a crucial moment just before the break. Having struck the post as well with a ferocious effort, Muller was a constant threat deep in Lazio territory.
The England captain exhibited his ruthlessness once again during Lazio’s visit to Bavaria, with the forward grabbing two poacher’s goals. The first was an instinctive header from eight yards out, with the second a tap in at the far post after Ivan Provedel parried Leroy Sane’s effort.
Despite touching the ball fairly infrequently, Kane constantly found himself in just the right spot inside the penalty area – exactly what you need from your talismanic centre-forward.
It was by no means a bad performance from Eric Dier at the Allianz, but the centre-back didn’t get too many opportunities to shine on Tuesday evening. He was relatively untested by Lazio’s blunt forward line, while his centre-back partner Matthijs de Ligt stood out above him.
The English defender was also guilty of losing Ciro Immobile at the far post with the score level in the first half, with Dier perhaps a tad fortunate that the Italian striker miscued his header. That lapse in concentration could have proved costly.
