Lazio celebrated a night of love and passion on Valentine’s Day as they triumphed over Bayern Munich with a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16. The Italian club will now travel to Germany in three weeks to defend their advantage and potentially secure a spectacular quarter-final qualification in Europe’s top-tier competition. Ciro Immobile was the hero of the night, scoring the decisive penalty against Neuer and further endearing himself to Lazio fans.
The match was not without its heart-stopping moments. Kane, for instance, had a run in the penalty area, only to be intercepted by Kimmich; however, his subsequent shot went wide. Luis Alberto also had a close attempt, hitting the crossbar from the edge of the area, while Sanè hit the post. Despite Bayern’s growing presence, Lazio nearly took the lead with Isaksen’s classic return move, though his left-footed shot was off-target. Musiala also had a golden opportunity after a combination with Goretzka in the penalty area, but his shot went wide as well.
The second half saw an aggressive Lazio side; Isaksen managed to steal the ball from Upamecano and came face-to-face with Neuer, but the goalkeeper managed to save his shot. The game-changing moment came in the 67th minute when Upamecano fouled Isaksen in the penalty area. Referee Letexier awarded Lazio a penalty and sent off the Bayern defender. Immobile, who had previously failed to score in Germany against Borussia Dortmund, stepped up to take the penalty.
Immobile kept his cool this time, deceiving Neuer and sending the ball into the net to give Lazio the lead. Bayern was rattled as Lazio maintained control and secured a victory that could potentially pave their way to the quarter-finals.
Final Score
LAZIO (4-3-3): Provedel 6; Marusic 6, Gila 6.5 (36′ st Patric sv), Romagnoli 6.5, Hysaj 6 (15′ st Lazzari 6.5); Guendouzi 6.5, Cataldi 6, Luis Alberto 6.5 (36′ st Kamada sv); Isaksen 6.5 (29′ st Pedro 6), Immobile 7 (29′ st Castellanos 6), Felipe Anderson 7. Coach: Sarri 7. BAYERN (4-2-3-1): Neuer 6; Mazraoui 5.5, Upamecano 5, Kim 6, Guerreiro 5; Kimmich 5.5, Goretzka 5.5 (28′ st De Ligt 6); Sane’ 5 (37′ st Tel sv), Muller 5.5 (37’st Choupo-Moting sv), Musiala 5; Kane 5.5. Coach: Tuchel 5.5. REFEREE: Letexier (FRA) 6 GOALS: 25′ st Immobile (penalty). NOTES: Clear evening, good pitch conditions. Upamecano was sent off in the 22nd minute for a dangerous tackle. Booked: Kimmich. Corners: 3-5. Added time: 0′ first half, 5′ second half.
