Shakhtar hold Bayern to 0-0 draw

Midfielder Xabi Alonso was sent off in his 100th Champions League game as 10-member Bayern Munich were held to a 0-0 draw by Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their pre-quarterfinal here.

The Ukrainian side had to play their games hundreds of miles away from home because of the fighting between rebels and Ukrainian soldiers. They were given hope of at least taking a lead against Munich for the second leg when Alonso was sent off for a second booking for a tackle on Alex Teixeira Tuesday, reports Xinhua.

Striker Thomas Mueller had the best chance of the game for Bayern, including a shot from a good position after 11 minutes. He was fed by Franck Ribery near the penalty spot in the 31st minute, but his effort went flying over the bar.

The result means Shakhtar will progress to the quarterfinals on the away goals rule if the second leg March 11 in Munich ends in a draw.

Shakhtar are now facing a tough fight to win their sixth successive national league crown as they trail Dynamo Kiev by five points.