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Champions League | Quarter-Finals
Apr 21, 2015 at 7.45pm UK
 
Porto

6-1

Alcantara (14'), Boateng (22'), Lewandowski (27', 40'), Muller (36'), Alonso (88')
FT(HT: 5-0)
Martinez (73')

Live Commentary: Bayern Munich 6-1 Porto - as it happened

Follow minute-by-minute coverage of Bayern Munich vs. Porto with Sports Mole's live text commentary.
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Bayern Munich booked their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League by cruising to a 6-1 triumph over Porto at the Allianz Arena.

Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Bayern took control of the tie in the first leg as goals from Thiago Alcantara, Jerome Boateng, Thomas Muller and a brace from Robert Lewandowski handed them a 5-0 lead at the break.

Jackson Martinez reduced the deficit in the second half, but Xabi Alonso completed the win with a free kick moments after Porto defender Ivan Marcano had been sent off.

Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.


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Good evening everyone! Are you ready for a dramatic night in the Champions League? We were treated to a thrilling match last Wednesday as Porto claimed a 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. They are in control at the halfway stage, but can the Portuguese side complete the upset tonight? Stick with me throughout the evening to find out.

It's probably fair to assume that many people have underestimated Porto. Last week's result came as a shock, but being the only unbeaten side left in the competition, maybe the fine performance shouldn't have been a surprise. Bayern simply could not cope with Julen Lopetegui's side, and a repeat performance could send Porto through.


Pep Guardiola hasn't been forced to accept many losses during his two seasons with Bayern, but the first-leg loss would have certainly hurt the Spaniard. Falling two goals behind inside 10 minutes was the result of a sloppy start from all of his players. Porto were positive in defence and Bayern struggled to respond to a lack of time on the ball in deeper positions. However, Thiago Alcantara's away goal may be looked back on as the vital moment in this tie, depending on tonight's result.

If you look in the history books, there isn't much to encourage Bayern fans that their club can pull off a comeback this evening. Bayern have attempted to make up a two-goal first-leg deficit on four previous occasions in UEFA competitions, losing every time. With no disrespect intended at all, would it be a huge surprise if Bayern beat Porto 2-0 tonight? This tie is delicately poised.

There's been plenty said about Bayern's injury crisis in recent weeks. Following the loss in the first leg, Bayern's team doctor left the club and claimed that his staff had been blamed for the defeat. Guardiola has dismissed that claim, but it has been a tough couple of months with Arjen Robben, David Alaba, Franck Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger all suffering injuries. Luckily for Bayern, Schweinsteiger could be back tonight.


Bayern may be facing a tough task tonight, but Muller wasn't showing any fear when talking to reporters on Monday. The club's supporters will be hoping that the forward's teammates share his confidence.

Bayern Munich's striker Thomas Muller celebrates after the third goal for Munich during the German first division Bundesliga football match between FC Bayern Munchen vs Eintracht Frankfurt in Munich, Germany, on April 11, 2015© Getty Images

"I am positive. A 2-0 win at home against Porto wouldn't be a miracle, would it? We'll have the crowd behind us, but it's down to us to score the goals on the pitch," the World Cup winner revealed in his press conference.


Do Porto change their approach tonight? A high-tempo pressing game served them so well last week, with the likes of Xabi Alonso and Philipp Lahm being unable to pull the strings due to the positive defensive performances. Yacine Brahimi has suggested that it will be more of the same this evening.

"Over there we need to play the way we did [in the first leg] – that is to play our game and play normally. We'll have to defend very well and be strong as a team," the midfielder told reporters.


A quick reminder that Sports Mole also have minute-by-minute text coverage of tonight's other quarter-final between Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Will there be a shock at the Camp Nou?

Javier Pastore of PSG is challenged by Sergio Busquets of Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final First Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona at Parc des Princes on April 15, 2015© Getty Images


BAYERN: Neuer, Rafinha, Boateng, Badstuber, Bernat, Lahm, Alonso, Thiago, Muller, Gotze, Lewandowski
SUBS: Reina, Dante, Pizarro, Gaudino, Rode, Weiser, Schweinsteiger

After resting a number of key men for Saturday's 2-0 win over Hoffenheim, Guardiola has made just one change to the side that lost in Portugal in the first leg. Dante really struggled with Porto's pressing, and it's the Brazilian who drops to the bench to make room for Holger Badstuber. Schweinsteiger is fit enough to start the evening on the bench.

PORTO: Fabiano, Reyes, Maicon, Marcano, Martins Indi, Herrera, Casemiro, Oliver Torres, Quaresma, Brahimi, Martinez
SUBS: Helton, Rúben Neves, Evandro, Quintero, Ricardo, Hernani, Aboubakar

Porto are without both Alex Sandro and Danilo after the two full-backs picked up yellow cards last week to earn a one-match ban. Ivan Marcano and Diego Reyes are handed starts in the only two changes. A thigh problem keeps Cristian Tello out of the squad.

An interesting angle on tonight's game is that L'Equipe are reporting that Bayern are interested in Brahimi, and that officials from the two clubs could discuss a potential this evening. Could Brahimi knock Bayern out before agreeing to join them?

After losing Sandro and Danilo, who offer as much going forward as they do at the back, Lopetegui was quick to warn Porto just how difficult tonight's task would be. A 3-1 victory was special, but they are a long way from the semi-finals.

"The match in Munich will be different and we will not be able to count on two important players, so we will have to find solutions," the Spaniard told reporters after the first leg. "It will be a very difficult game, we are still only halfway through this tie against one of the best teams in Bayern's history."



As reports continue to link him with Manchester City, despite his claims that he has no interest in leaving the Allianz Arena this summer, how much pressure is Guardiola under? The Bundesliga title looks to be wrapped up, while they also meet Borussia Dortmund in the DFB-Pokal semi-finals next week. If they overturn this deficit, do they remain in good shape to clinch the treble? After Jupp Heynckes lifted three trophies in his final season, you have to feel that Guardiola wants nothing less.

"We have to take more risks. I am optimistic and realistic. After a 3-1 loss in Porto, it will not be easy at all, but I am optimistic we will go through to the semi-finals," Guardiola told reporters in his pre-match press conference.

The pressure is on his attacking players this evening, but they simply have to improve at the back. Jackson Martinez was fantastic last week, and Bayern must cut off the supply to the Colombian to disrupt Porto's rhythm.



STAT: Bayern's home record against visitors from Portugal is W8 D2 L0. They have won their eight previous two-legged ties against Portuguese opposition.

KEY MAN: Porto surely can't afford to change their tactics tonight. Pressing served them so well last week, and that's what they have to do tonight to ensure Bayern don't dominate from start to finish. A lot could depend on the performance of Casemiro, who did a fantastic job of breaking up play in midfield last week. He'll need to keep an eye on the likes of Thiago, Muller and Mario Gotze, who will all be allowed to roam from their positions.


KEY MAN: Even with the injury crisis still going on, Bayern have so much attacking talent in their squad. However, Alonso might be the key player tonight. The Spaniard was never able to settle in the first leg, but if he can dictate the tempo from deep and start attacks with balls into Lewandowski, Bayern will be tough to stop.

We're just over 20 minutes away from kickoff at the Allianz Arena. On a night like this, the opening goal is surely going to have a big say on the outcome of the tie. If Bayern score first, it will lift the crowd and you'd back them to build on a promising start. An early goal for Porto would mean Bayern need three goals without reply just to force extra time. Will we see a tense opening to the match?


PREDICTION: It's time for me to have a go at what the score will be this evening. I fancy Bayern to produce a much better performance, and they should beat Porto over 90 minutes at home. Will they do enough to get through? If you trust me, yes. 2-0 to Bayern.

STAT: Bayern have not conceded a goal in any of their four home fixtures in the Champions League this season. They may well need another clean sheet to go through tonight.


There has been no reason to suggest that Porto aren't backing themselves to produce a repeat of last week's excellent performance. Lopetegui's confidence was certainly clear in his press conference.

"It will be a very difficult task, but we will try to find simple answers. We like the idea of playing against Bayern - one of the best teams in the world," he told reporters. "We can't think about what could happen, we will just try to give the answer on the pitch. We will try to create chances and play our game."


Guardiola is taking charge of his 100th competitive game as Bayern boss tonight. Will he look back on the milestone with a smile? His record is pretty impressive with the club. (W76 D12 L11)

Bayern Munich's Spanish head coach Pep Guardiola (L) looks on during the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg football match Real Madrid CF vs FC Bayern Munchen at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid on April 23, 2014© Getty Images


There's plenty of noise coming from the home supporters already as the players line up in the tunnel. It's advantage Porto, but plenty of people are still expecting Bayern to produce a comeback. Who will come out on top? Just a few handshakes to get out of the way now.

It will be Porto who get the game underway. English official Martin Atkinson is the man with the whistle tonight.

It's a quick start to the match, with both sides giving the ball away in midfield before a free kick to Bayern slows the tempo.

Bayern are looking to get onto the front foot, and it appears that they're already moving the ball quicker than they did in the first leg. Porto are clearly happy to work on the break, with the dangerous Quaresma keeping his width.

Bayern have responded to Porto's pressing from last week by doing the exact same in the early stages. The hosts win the ball high up the pitch and Lahm delivers a cross from the right, but neither Lewandowski or Gotze can send a header at goal.

Good football from Boateng as he uses the space on offer to launch a long pass to Thiago, who heads the ball back down to Lewandowski, and only a good block from Maicon prevents the strike from threatening with a volley.

Guardiola will be pretty pleased with this start from his side, who have looked eager to win the ball back every time Porto earn possession. Lahm and Alonso have covered a lot of ground already to keep the visitors from sending too many men forward.

Porto have made plenty of challenges already, and Bayern's players are furious when Casemiro comes through the back of Lewandowski. It's probably not worthy of a yellow card yet, but the midfielder must be careful.

Lahm has spent a lot of time on the right early on, which suggests that Bayern are eager to see the captain link up with Rafinha. Bayern will certainly change shape throughout the evening, which will cause problems for Porto. They're on top and are dominating possession, but there's not been a hint of a chance yet.

OFF THE POST! Bayern do create a chance, and they come agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. Muller sprints clear after timing his run to perfection, but his powerful strike is well saved by Fabiano. Lewandowski gets to the rebound but can only hit the post with the Porto goalkeeper stranded.

Brahini does very well to earn himself some space after being closed down by Rafinha, but his cross is easily collected by Neuer without a Porto player in the box. The visitors look reluctant to take too many risks, which is understandable.

GOAL! BAYERN 1-0 PORTO (THIAGO)

It's the perfect start for Bayern! One cross into the box is too long for the Bayern forwards, but Gotze keeps the move alive. Bernat earns space on the left before delivering a ball towards the near post and Thiago meets the cross with a powerful header to make it 3-2 on aggregate.

Less than a week after scoring a potentially crucial away goal, Thiago has done it again this evening. As it stands, Bayern need one more goal to progress. Will the early setback force Porto to be more positive? Bayern are causing a lot of problems with their energy in midfield.

Much like Porto did last week, Bayern are pressing with impressive results. Alonso looks 10 years younger as he continues to break up play in the centre while Lahm spends most of his time on the right wing. Porto have pushed slightly higher up the pitch, but they're struggling to find Martinez, who has barely had a touch.

Bayern get the ball forward quickly again as Thiago finds Muller, who takes a touch before firing a deflected volley straight at Fabiano.

GOAL! BAYERN 2-0 PORTO (BOATENG)

In 22 minutes, the deficit has gone. A deep corner is headed back into the danger zone by Badstuber, and Boateng rises highest to nod the ball past a helpless Fabiano. It has been brilliant from Bayern.

Quaresma brings down Bernat on the wing, and the Bayern full-back responds by telling the winger to be quiet. The Porto skipper foolishly raises his hand to Bernat's face, but the referee is over quickly to separate the two men. No cards on this occasion.

It looks like Porto may have been surprised by the Bayern formation. The lineup suggested a 4-3-3, but Gotze and Lahm have barely moved from the wing, and Muller and Lewandowski are staying central in front of the midfield duo of Alonso and Thiago. It looks like a diamond and it's working brilliantly.

GOAL! BAYERN 3-0 PORTO (LEWANDOWSKI)

This is turning into a very special performance. A chipped ball into the box finds Muller, whose cushioned volley allows Lewandowski to power a header past Fabiano. The Porto goalkeeper got a touch to the ball, but he was never keeping it out. Bayern look to be cruising through. Can Porto produce any response?

Porto have struggled to get into Bayern's half of the pitch in the first half, but they manage to win their first corner of the night. Casemiro rises highest before glancing a header wide enough for Bayern to keep the ball in play. Bayern lead 4-3 on aggregate. Only a 3-1 win to the hosts would take us to extra time.

Martinez is dropping deeper and deeper, and although he has the strength to win the ball in midfield, that will leave a big space in attack. Porto just can't retain possession at the moment.

SUBSTITUTION: Lopetegui makes a change, as Ricardo comes off the bench to replace Reyes. It's not immediately clear what the problem is for the full-back.

YELLOW CARD! Herrera picks up the first booking of the night for what must surely be his fifth foul in the first half.

GOAL! BAYERN 4-0 PORTO (MULLER)

Muller will claim it, but I'm sure even he will be surprised this ball has crept in. Bayern win the ball in midfield and Thiago finds the forward, whose low effort from 25 yards takes a huge deflection off Martins Indi before Fabiano somehow allows the ball to go through his legs. Bayern are in complete control. That loss in Portugal feels like a long time ago.

YELLOW CARD! Excellent work from Martin Atkinson. Martinez attempts to win a free kick with a dive after running into a challenge from Boateng and the referee is wise enough to book the Colombian.

GOAL! BAYERN 5-0 PORTO (LEWANDOWSKI)

Europe, watch out. Bayern are in magnificent form this evening as they score a fifth goal inside 40 incredible first-half minutes. The threat looks to be over when Muller runs out of space, but he displays great effort to keep the ball in before pulling a cross into the path of Lewandowski, who takes a touch and fires his shot into the bottom corner. Superb finish!

YELLOW CARD! I've praised Martin Atkinson, but he's just had a shocker. Badstuber has a moment of madness as he comes off the ground to challenge Brahimi, who does well to get out of the way. It should be a red card, but Bayern's defender gets away with a yellow.

Porto are all over the place. Bayern are creating so much space with the movement of Thiago, who is popping up all over the pitch to start attacks. I'd be stunned if we didn't see them score more goals tonight.

SHOT! Lahm has never scored in the Champions League, but a clever touch sets him up for a short which stings the palms of Fabiano, who just manages to hold on.

HALF TIME: BAYERN 5-0 PORTO

I'm certain there won't be another 45 minutes of football like that in the Champions League this season. Quite simply, Bayern have been absolutely outstanding. Before the match all the talk was about how they would break Porto down, but their spot in the semi-finals already looks to be secure. Porto just haven't been able to match the hosts in any area, and it would be a surprise if this lead didn't get bigger. It's been an incredible first half at the Allianz Arena.


What can Lopetegui do next? His side now trail 6-3 on aggregate, and their hopes look to have been dashed already. Martinez needs a partner because the striker has been forced to search for the ball on too many occasions. Changes may not be enough to keep out the home side, but Porto must restore some pride.

Guardiola may even think about giving some of his key men a rest later in the second half, and I'm sure not many people saw that coming. Everything about this performance has been perfect. Alonso's pressing, Thiago's creativity and the superb partnership up top have been key, but every Bayern player is having a great game. How many more can they score?

We're ready for the second half at the Allianz Arena. Lopetegui has made another change, with Ruben Neves replacing Quaresma. Bayern will get the game back underway.

CHANCE! Bayern nearly score a sixth within a minute of the restart. A low cross somehow manages to reach Gotze at the back post, but he can only send a volley just wide.

Porto have already been pushed back in the second half, and Bayern don't seem to have any plans to take their foot off the gas. Boateng and Badstuber are spending most of their time on the halfway line, which is allowing Alonso and Thiago to apply pressure further up the pitch.

Ricardo is fortunate not to pick up a yellow card when he chops down Gotze from behind. Brahimi appears to be spending more time in a central position early in the second half, and he drops deep to launch an attack which eventually breaks down when a long pass drifts out of play.

Porto are seeing a lot more of the ball, but Bayern are staying disciplined, with Muller dropping back a few yards to make it a midfield five most of the time. It looks like a tough task just to find a consolation goal.

It's difficult not to enjoy watching Guardiola, who is still shuffling across the touchline screaming instructions to Bernat on the other side of the pitch. Porto have started the second half pretty well, but they are denied a chance when Alonso clears a Ricardo cross.

More brilliance from Thiago creates a chance as his clever volleyed pass eventually drops for Lewandowski, whose effort is blocked by Maicon. Bayern then win a free kick on the edge of the box.

It's a long wait for the hosts, but Alonso can't find the top corner as his free kick drifts just over the crossbar.

Bayern are dominating possession either side of spells of defiance from Porto, who just can't seem to retain possession further up the pitch. Gotze is now being given more of a licence to roam across the pitch and Lahm is working in a central position once again.

A patient passing move sees Bayern switch the play on a number of occasions before Bernat fires a deflected effort wide from 25 yards.

Bayern take a corner short before shifting the ball inside to Boateng, whose chipped pass is slightly too strong for Gotze. Porto breathe a huge sigh of relief. There was three Bayern players waiting for Gotze to square the ball.

Superb football from Bayern as they win the ball in midfield before progressing through Gotze and Lahm, whose pass releases Muller on the wing. His cross just needs a finishing touch but Maicon manages to clear the danger. Badstuber head just wide from the corner which follows.


YELLOW CARD! A clever piece of footwork from Bernat is enough to fool Ricardo, and the Porto substitute has no arguments with the booking which follows.

SUBSTITUTION: Porto make their final change of the night as Brahimi comes off to be replaced by Evandro.

Herrera comes forward to collect the ball on the edge of the box before delivering a cross to the back post, but Ricardo is unable to bring it under control as a promising move comes to an end.

YELLOW CARD! Muller must be a dream to manage. He drops back to dispossess Marcano on the halfway line before winning a foul after being pulled back.

SUBSTITUTION: Bayern will be hoping the injury list hasn't got longer. Rafinha limps off with what appears to be a groin problem. Sebastian Rode is his replacement. Lahm will move to right-back.

GOAL! BAYERN 5-1 PORTO (MARTINEZ)

Porto reduce the deficit, but it's surely just a consolation. Ricardo finds Herrera on the right and his cross is delivered into the perfect position for Martinez head the ball in from close range. It looks like the Colombian was probably just offside, which won't please Neuer. Porto would need two more goals to go through.

Porto are starting to send more men forward, but they need to produce something special late on to keep this tie alive. Bayern aren't willing to take too many risks and they're doing a good job of limiting the space on offer.

CHANCE! Porto are so close to making it 6-5 on aggregate. Martinez does brilliantly to hold off Boateng before earning some space on the edge of the box, but he can only drag his effort just past the post. That would have made the closing stages interesting.

CHANCE! Bayern almost score their sixth of the night as Gotze slides a pass into the path of Lewandowski, who fires his low shot wide of the post from the edge of the box.

Gotze wins a free kick under a challenge from Marcano, but Alonso's cross is cleared at the front post. Porto look to break but Neuer is off his line quickly to collect the ball before Ricardo can cause a problem.

Porto have certainly improved in the latter stages of the game, but it's difficult to take too much from a response to falling five goals behind in the first half. Bayern killed the tie off with that incredible display before the break and it's all about game management from Guardiola's side.

SUBSTITUTION: Guardiola turns to the bench again as Mitchell Weiser comes off the bench to replace Gotze.

RED CARD! Porto are going to finish a miserable night with 10 men on the pitch. Bayern win the ball high up the pitch, and a step over from Thiago fools Marcano, whose silly tackle is punished with a second yellow.

GOAL! BAYERN 6-1 PORTO (ALONSO)

Marcano will be hearing the cheers on the way back to the showers. Alonso piles on the misery with a stunning 25-yard free kick to leave Fabiano helpless. Brilliant from the Spaniard!

It's all happening at the Allianz Arena. Lopetegui appears to have argued the free-kick decision for a moment too long and he's been sent from the touchline. Guardiola makes his third change as Dante replaces Thiago, who fully deserves the standing ovation he receives. There's a big hug between manager and midfielder, too.

CHANCE! Bayern nearly score a seventh as Lewandowski pokes a shot straight at Fabiano from close range before Rode's rebound effort is blocked in a congested box. Three minutes added on.

Bayern are cruising to the final whistle. It's been a stunning performance from Guardiola's side. Porto just haven't been able to provide an answer.

FULL TIME: BAYERN 6-1 PORTO

Less than a week after slipping to a disappointing loss in Portugal, Bayern have bounced back in fantastic style to secure a 7-4 aggregate triumph. Five goals in the first half shocked Porto and there was no coming back after that onslaught. The Bayern fans have been treated to a special display this evening.

That's all from me tonight, but make sure you keep an eye out for analysis and ratings from both of this evening's Champions League matches. Goodnight everyone.

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Bayern Munich's midfielder Sebastian Rode celebrates with teammates after scoring the 0-1 during the German first division Bundesliga football match 1899 Hoffenheim vs FC Bayern Munich in Sinsheim, southern Germany, on April 18, 2015
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