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Serge
Gnabry's double inspired Bayern Munich as 10-man Chelsea were humbled 3-0 in the
first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Stamford Bridge.
Gnabry, who scored four goals against Spurs in a 7-2 group-stage win in October,
netted an exquisite quick double (51, 54) to put Bayern in control before Robert
Lewandowski added a third (76) as the Bundesliga champions outclassed Frank
Lampard's team.
Marcos Alonso was sent off seven minutes from time for a flailing arm to
complete a miserable evening for the hosts.
The result leaves Chelsea with a monumental task in the second leg on March 18,
with Jorginho also set to miss out after picking up a second-half booking.
Bayern had the better of the opening chances, with Kingsley Coman hammering an
effort into the side of the net before Willy Caballero made the first of three
superb first-half saves from Lewandowski, the first seeing the ball away from
close range. In the 25th minute, Chelsea also had their first chance, but Ross
Barkley's fizzing cross just missed the incoming Mason Mount at the far post.
Caballero's next two saves came in quick succession just before the half-hour
mark. The first saw the Chelsea goalkeeper get down low to save a weak
Lewandowski shot before throwing his body in front of another effort from the
Poland international as Bayern increased the heat on their hosts.
Player ratings
Chelsea: Caballero (7), Azpilicueta (6), Christensen (6),
Rudiger (7), James (6), Jorginho (6), Kovacic (7), Alonso (5), Barkley (6),
Mount (7), Giroud (6).
Subs used: Abraham (5), Willian (4), Pedro (4).
Bayern Munich: Neuer (7), Pavard (7), Boateng (7), Alaba (7),
Davies (7), Kimmich (7), Thiago (7), Gnabry (8), Muller (8), Coman (7),
Lewandowski (8).
Subs used: Coutinho (6), Tolisso (n/a), Goretzka (n/a).
Man of the match: Robert Lewandowski.
Chelsea once again failed to convert a gilt-edged cross in the 35th minute.
Mateo Kovacic slotted the ball into the feet of Mount inside the area, but his
inviting pass could not be converted by Olivier Giroud, who just need a toe to
send it home. A minute later and Chelsea were almost punished as Thomas Muller
pinged an effort onto the crossbar with the back of his head, but the Blues made
it to half-time with the scores level.
The second half did not begin well for Chelsea as Jorginho was booked for
dissent four minutes after the break, meaning he will miss the return leg in
Munich. It went from bad and to worse not long after as Bayern broke the
deadlock.
A slip from Cesar Azpilicueta allowed Gnabry to nip in before picking out
Lewandowski down the left. The striker then cut the ball back for his team-mate
in the middle of the area, with the former Arsenal player hammering a shot past
Caballero as Bayern took a deserved lead.
Three minutes later, and Gnabry nabbed his second after another link-up with
Lewandowski. They played a neat move near the centre circle before the former
drove down the field. He raced into the area with no one able to stop him and
slotted home into the far corner.
There were half chances for both sides as the game went on but it was Bayern who
added a third in the 76th minute. The impressive Alphonso Davies used his
explosive pace to bamboozle Chelsea, skipping over two challenges before driving
into the area. He then squared the ball for Lewandowski, who slotted home to
increase Bayern's grip on the tie.
But Chelsea's miserable half did not end there. With seven minutes of normal
time to play, they were reduced to 10 men as Alonso caught Lewandowski in the
face with an flailing arm. Referee Clement Turpin was advised by VAR the
incident needed to be checked and after consulting the pitchside monitor, Alonso
was shown a straight red card and will miss out on the reverse fixture in
Germany.
Man of the match - Robert Lewandowski
There were plenty of man-of-the match contenders on Tuesday. Gnbary scored two
wonderful goals, Muller and Davies were hugely impressive but it was Lewandowski
who had a hand in all three strikes and he is once again hard to ignore.
He forced three sensational saves from Caballero in the first half before
assisting both of Gnabry's goals and scored the third as he once again proved
why he is one of the best strikers in Europe. He will be difficult to keep quiet
in the reverse fixture on March 18.
Opta stats
Chelsea have suffered eight home defeats in all competitions this season, their
worst tally of home defeats since the 1985-86 season (also eight).
Bayern Munich's Serge Gnabry has scored all six of his Champions League goals in
London (four vs Spurs, two vs Chelsea) - he is the first player in Champions
League history to score all his first six goals against teams of the same
nation.
Bayern's Robert Lewandowski has scored nine away Champions League goals this
season, a joint record in a single season in the competition along with
Cristiano Ronaldo in 2013-14.
What's next?
Chelsea will be in Premier League action on Saturday with a trip to Bournemouth
(kick-off 3pm) while Bayern Munich also travel to Hoffenheim (kick-off 2.30pm).
The return leg of this fixture will be on Wednesday, March 18 (kick-off 8pm) at
the Allianz Arena.
Click Here For Official Team Sheet
Click Here For UEFA Match Press Kit
Teams
Chelsea Caballero, Azpilicueta (c) (Pedro 73), Christensen,
Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso, Barkley (Willian 61), Mount, Giroud
(Abraham 61)
Subs Not Used Kepa, Zouma, Emerson, Gilmour
Booked Jorginho
Sent Off Alonso 84
Goals
Bayern Munich Neuer (c), Pavard, Boateng, Alaba, Davies, Thiago
(Goretzka 90+1), Kimmich, Gnabry (Tolisso 85), Muller, Coman Coutinho 66),
Lewandowski
Subs Not Used Ulreich, Odriozola, Hernandez, Zirkzee
Booked Thiago, Kimmish
Goals Gnabry 51, 54, Lewandowski 76
Attendance 36,761
Referee Clement Turpin (France)