A short success. Lazio Rome won this Wednesday against Bayern Munich (1-0), in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League. The only goal of the match was scored by Immobile from the penalty spot (69th), after a foul by Upamecano on Isaksen, which resulted in the French international being sent off. The return match will take place on March 5 at Allianz Arena in Munich.
From the whistle, the plan was clear. Sarri’s men did not plan to go after the Bavarians in the foot, and the least we can say is that they were very disciplined. Aside from an opening ball at the very start of the match missed by Harry Kane, Bayern struggled to find the crack in the Roman wall.
Constantly, Guendouzi’s teammates dragged the Germans towards the sides, blocking the axis in numbers. Failed, the attackers innovated on set pieces. With the help of an astonishing combination, they could have opened the score on the cannonball fired by Sané, but in the end it did not happen. François Letexier sends the teams back to the locker room with a goalless score, reflecting a closed match.
The same procedure was applied in the second act. The Roman gladiators continued their fight in the arena, the Munich residents were unable to bring down their opponents. This half was a carbon copy of the first.
Until the 67th minute, when Dayot Upamecano put his foot where it shouldn’t, on Isaksen’s leg. Penalty, and logical red card, François Letexier punishes the Frenchman’s bad gesture. Without much doubt, Immobile grabs the ball and takes responsibility. The foot is open, the counterfoot is perfect and the shower is cold for Neuer and company. Jostled, the German champions were unable to get their heads back on track. The Lazialists create a general surprise and end up paying off the Bavarian ogre. While waiting for the return on March 5, the advantage is Romain.