Bayern Munich have cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League, beating Shakhtar Donetsk 7-0 at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
Shakhtar’s hopes were dealt a blow almost immediately as Oleksandr Kucher was dismissed less than three minutes after kickoff for a foul on Mario Gotze in the box.
The incident also resulted in a spot kick for the German champions, which Thomas Muller converted with ease as the keeper dived the wrong way.
Robert Lewandowski had a couple of chances to double Bayern’s advantage early on, but Arjen Robben was unable to reach the Polish striker’s pull-back, while his header from a Rafinha cross was kept out by the post.
Lewandowski was involved again before the break though, blasting another effort into the keeper’s path, but the parry fell for Jerome Boateng to tap in from close range.
Bayern continued to cruise at the start of the second half as Franck Ribery forced his way into the box before slotting a low finish into the bottom corner.
Muller was in for his second of the night just two minutes later, as Ribery had his shot saved, but once again the keeper could only parry, setting the German international up for an easy finish.
Pep Guardiola’s men continued to push, and came close to making it five when Bernat rounded a couple of defenders before attempting to rifle the ball in low, but this time Andriy Pyatov got it clear.
The save only delayed Bayern’s fifth though as Holger Badstuber was through moments later, bursting towards goal to meet a Rafinha cross, heading past Pyatov.
Lewandowski continued to push for the hosts, and finally added his name to the scoresheet with 15 minutes to go as Gotze found him with a long ball forward, leaving him to calmly chip it past the keeper.
Shakhtar rarely threatened in the second half, and were punished again in the final moments when Boateng found Gotze, leaving the winger to cut inside before sliding the ball in, rounding off an emphatic win for the Bundesliga side.
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