Bayern Munich knock out Arsenal from Champions League

Berlin, March 12 (IANS) Bayern Munich have progressed to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League as Arsenal failed to turn around a 2-0 first-leg loss.

Bayern held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at home, which was not enough for the “Gunners” to make the next round as the Germans wrapped up the quarterfinals with a 3-1 on aggregate, reports Xinhua.

The Bavarians controlled the proceedings from the kick off while the visitors were uninspiring. Arsenal’s slow start was slightly surprising as the “Gunners” had to score two goals to keep their hopes alive.

Thus Bayern found the back of the net in only the 27th minute, but Javi Martinez’ header following a corner was called offside. Just five minutes later Arsenal got their first effort on target when Olivier Giroud headed into the arms of Bayern custodian Manuel Neuer.

However, Arsenal were hardly threat to the Bayern’s defence, though they started the second half purposefully. Despite their improved performance, it was the hosts who opened the scoring in the 54th minute.

Bastian Schweinsteiger had all the time and space inside the box to reach a square pass by Franck Ribery and beat Arsenals goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski from close range.

It was a short-lived joy for the Bavarians as Arsenal responded out of the blue through Lukas Podolski, who whipped a Philipp Lahm ball at the box, beating Manuel Neuer one-on-one from a sharp angle.

Despite Arsenal’s leveller, the hosts allowed themselves the luxury to waste a foul play penalty by Thomas Mueller in the closing period.

It is the second time in row that Bayern Munich eliminated Arsenals in the round of last sixteen.

“I think the decision was made in the first game. We could have created more chances in the last twenty minutes, unfortunately we didn’t,” Arsenal’s coach Arsene Wenger said after the game.

“We played smart today. I am very happy with the performance of my team. We wanted to control the game and we did,” Bayern’s coach Pep Guardiola said.