Ten-man Bayern Munich cruise past BATE Borisov

Bayern Munich overcame the dismissal of Jerome Boateng to beat BATE Borisov and ensure that they finish top of Group F.

© AP Photos

Last season's Champions League finalists were ahead just before the break when Mario Gomez tapped in for his second goal of an injury-plagued campaign.

The home side were reduced to 10 men just minutes into the second half when Boateng was given a red card for a late challenge on Artem Kontsevoi.

BATE failed to take advantage and slipped further behind three minutes later when Thomas Muller reacted quickest to a flick from Bastian Schweinsteiger to head home.

Muller was instantly substituted following his goal to make way for Brazilian defender Dante.

Bayern shrugged home their disadvantage and made the game safe 20 minutes from time when Xherdan Shaqiri made no mistake from a pinpoint Gomez cross.

BATE had Alexander Polyakov sent off for a second bookable offence before David Alaba gave the scoreline added gloss with a measured finish from distance.

Yegor Filipenko netted a consolation for the visitors in the final minutes with smart half-volley from distance.

A comfortable win ensured Bayern finished above Valencia to top the group by virtue of a superior head-to-head record.