February 15, (THEWILL) – A crucial penalty from Ciro Immobile has given Lazio a surprise 1-0 advantage over Bayern Munich after the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round of 16 encounter. The Italian side kept yet another clean sheet at home to inflict Bayern’s first European defeat in 10 months.
The Bundesliga champions went into the game reeling from their weekend loss to title rivals Bayer Leverkusen. Despite creating numerous chances in the first half through the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala, Bayern were unable to find the back of the net.
Lazio reminded the visitors of their own threat early in the second half when Gustav Isaksen was played through on goal, only to be denied by Manuel Neuer. The game’s pivotal moment came in the 67th minute when Dayot Upamecano was sent off for a reckless challenge, giving Lazio a penalty which Immobile dispatched with ease.
The 1-0 deficit leaves Bayern with work to do in the second leg at the Allianz Arena in three weeks’ time. Unfortunately, it is not enough time to have some key absentees like Kingsley Coman, Serge Gnabry and Alphonso Davies back from injury by then.
Yet, Thomas Tuchel will have to make the best of their situation as they aim to qualify for the quarter-finals for the fifth straight season. Lazio, meanwhile, will travel to Germany renewed in their belief that they can reach the last eight for the first time since 2000.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
