Bayern Munich cruised into the quarterfinals of the Champions League after a 7-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk with the visitors losing a defender to the fastest red card in the competition’s history.
Olexandr Kucher was sent off in the third minute for tripping Götze, who was racing toward goal. “The red card was decisive but we played a very good match as well,” Bastian Schweinsteiger said.
Müller converted from the penalty spot in the fourth minute to get Bayern going with the opening goal of the tie after a goalless first leg in Ukraine.
Arjen Robben, Bayern’s top scorer this season, clutched his thigh as he was taken off in the 19th minute. “We have to see tomorrow what the damage is but doctors said it is not too serious,” said Pep Guardiola, the Bayern Munich coach.
Boateng scored after Lewandowski’s attempt was blocked and the defender was alone at the far post to drill the ball into the roof of the net.
Franck Ribéry was cut down by Douglas Costa away from the ball but he got away with only a yellow card. Ribéry made it 3-0 in the 49th minute, taking a pass from Boateng, cutting in from the left and firing into the far corner.
In the 52nd minute Müller scored his second, following Ribéry’s delivery from the line.
On the hour Ribéry was forced off with an ankle injury, but it is not thought to be serious. “It does not seem to be too bad,” said Ribéry. “It is something with the ankle and I hope I can be ready to play on the weekend.”
Badstuber headed home with an unchallenged header in the 63rd minute and Lewandowski raised the score in the 75th after picking up a long through pass from Schweinsteiger.
Götze completed the scoring in the 87th minute after good work by Boateng.
“I feel sad that we lost with such a result,” said Mircea Lucescu, the Shakhtar Donetsk coach. “After the third goal the match was over.”
Bayern have now won all four home games in Europe this season, scoring 13 goals and conceding none as they set their sights on a sixth European crown. Bayernalso beat Basel 7-0 in the same last-16 stage in 2012.
“I always had faith with my players and I am very happy with their game tonight,” said Guardiola. “People said it may be a tricky game but my players are there for the big moments. Obviously the red card changed things but my players perfectly executed our game plan. Sometimes it is not that easy against 10.”
Bayern Munich maintained their fine recent Champions League record advancing to their fourth consecutive quarter-final.
(Source: Associated Press)
