Bayern Munich faces an uphill battle to advance to the Champions League quarter-finals after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Lazio in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday.
Ciro Immobile’s second-half penalty, earned through a foul by Dayot Upamecano, who was subsequently sent off, made the difference at Stadio Olimpico, marking an historic night for the Italian side in European competition.
Despite dominating possession and registering 17 shots, Bayern failed to land a single one on target. Lazio, managed by Maurizio Sarri, worked diligently off the ball to limit the impact of Bayern’s attacking prowess.
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While not a disastrous result in the overall context of the tie, it wasn’t the ideal response for Bayern or their under-pressure manager Thomas Tuchel after the comprehensive 3-0 defeat to Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen last weekend.
Early in the game, Bayern had a couple of close calls as Joshua Kimmich curled wide from the edge of the box, and Harry Kane missed a chance from close range after Thomas Muller’s knockdown. However, Lazio effectively kept the Bavarian giants at bay, frustrating their attacking attempts.
Despite Bayern’s dominance, Lazio contained their opponent’s attacking threats, restricting clear sights of goal. Leroy Sane’s shot narrowly missed the post, and Jamala Musiala skied a shot before halftime.
In the second half, Gustav Isaksen had a chance for Lazio, but Manuel Neuer saved the near-post attempt. Matteo Guendouzi, formerly of Arsenal, continued to apply pressure, winning a free-kick as Bayern struggled to break down Lazio’s resolute defense.
Bayern’s task became more challenging when Upamecano’s foul on Isaksen resulted in a red card and a penalty for Lazio, calmly converted by Immobile. Despite late efforts, including a crucial block by Kim Min-jae, Bayern couldn’t find an equalizer.
The second leg will be crucial for Bayern to overturn the deficit and progress in the Champions League.