In a decisive match in the Champions League, FC Bayern Munich triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen with a score of 3-0 in the first leg of their round of 16 clash.
Reactions from England
The Guardian reported, „Something seems to have broken here, and it was not just Xabi Alonso’s pride in his unbeaten record against Bayern Munich. With Vincent Kompany, they are cruising towards the Bundesliga title, and now they are also cruising into the Champions League quarter-finals. They could also sign Leverkusen’s best player, Florian Wirtz, in the summer, but here they were completely outplayed. It feels like the game is over—in more ways than one.“
The Sun highlighted a critical error from a former Manchester United goalkeeper, stating, „Horror mistake gifts Musiala a goal.“
Spanish Perspectives
Mundo Deportivo stated, „Leverkusen was overwhelmed by Bayern.“ As lamented, „Massacre against Xabi Alonso. The seventh time brought luck to Bayern. After Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen had remained unbeaten in the last six games since his arrival at BayArena two and a half years ago, Bayern finally defeated the Spanish coach’s team in the purest Bayern style and in the most brutal manner.“
Sport commented, „Kane brings Xabi Alonso to the brink of elimination. Harry was flawless even from the penalty spot. (…) The final word belongs in BayArena.“ Additionally, Marca remarked, „The Bayern of life in Europe. A double from Kane and a goal from Musiala against a Leverkusen side that was unrecognizable and had hardly any chances of their own.“
French Analysis
Le Parisien noted, „As the clear winner of this 100% German duel, Bayern Munich has a great chance of qualifying for the quarter-finals. Bayer will need a remarkable effort at home next week for things to turn out differently. (…) Of course, there are still 90 minutes to play. However, the Bayern players already have one foot and several toes in the quarter-finals. They are one step closer to a final at the Allianz Arena, a dream for all of Bayern.“
L’Équipe added, „Bayern Munich has a serious chance of qualifying for the Champions League quarter-finals. In the first leg of the round of 16, Bayern clearly dominated Bayer Leverkusen, who never really got going and were offensively quite poor.“
RMC Sport concluded, „Bayern wins without breaking a sweat!“