Bayern wins 5-1 against Benfica, moves to knockout stage of Champions League

Bayern Munich overcame their recent crisis, winning 5-1 over Benfica, and advancing to the knockout stages of the Champions League.

A brace from Arjen Robben, another brace from Robert Lewandowski and another goal from Frank Ribery brought back the happiness to the Bayern team on Tuesday night, who had lost their last two matches and are 9 points behind Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.

After these latest results, Bayern needed to gain confidence and won it in the 13th minute when Arjen Robben opened the scoring with a, somewhat augmented version of his classic move, making a cut from the right to the center for a left-footed score, reports Efe news.

This time Robben started the play on the line, went into the area, reached the end line and then returned to make his last dribble before scoring a strong shot. On the way he got around four opponents.

In the 30th minute Robben scored again, this time with a more traditional version of his signature move after a pass from Thomas Mueller.

Six minutes later Robert Lewandowski, with a header, scored another goal, giving even more comfort to Bayern.

The scoreboard reflected what was happening on the field. Benfica had barely attempted a counterattack, which Manuel Neuer controlled with a good exit from the area, while Bayern managed good attacks from the feet of Franck Ribery and Lewandowski as well as with a header by Mueller.

However, the second half started with Benfica showing signs of life. Gedson Fernandes, who had just entered the field, scored with a shot from inside the area.

Bayern's defense did not make a good impression on this play and for a few minutes, although still having an advantage, the ghosts of their problems came back.

To get away from these ghosts, Bayern needed to score again and they did so in the 51st minute with a header from Lewandowski after a corner kick by Kimmich.

In the 76th minute, Ribery managed the fifth goal past Benfica goalkeeper Vlachodimos.

--IANS

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