A Robert Lewandowski free-kick sealed Bayern Munich's 1-0 win over Atletico Madrid on Tuesday in the Champions League with both teams already through to the knock-out stage.
Despite the result at Munich's bitterly cold Allianz Arena, Atletico go into the draw for the last 16 as Group D winner with Bayern second.
Having been knocked out in the semi-finals by Atletico last season, Bayern avenged its 1-0 defeat in Madrid in September and extended their record streak in Champions League to 15 wins at home.
> Dad-to-be Lewandowski reveals baby news with goal celebration
Atletico, who was close to full strength, suffered its first defeat in the group stages this season having been the only team to win all of its previous five. It denied it a club record of a perfect six.
Simeone rues Atletico lapse
Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti switched from the 4-2-3-1 formation, which won 3-1 at Mainz in the Bundesliga, with a 4-3-3 formation, surprisingly leaving Thomas Mueller on the bench.
Lewandowski played either side of Arjen Robben and Douglas Costa on the wings with Thiago Alcantara, Arturo Vidal and teenage Portugal international Renato Sanches in midfield.
Diego Simeone's Atletico made a bright start with Yannick Carrasco, who scored when the host won 1-0 in Madrid in September, twice forcing Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer into action.
Bayern took the lead when Poland's Lewandowski majestically floated his free-kick over the wall from the edge of the box and into the top corner on 28 minutes.
It was from almost exactly the same position Lewandowski scored from in Friday's 3-1 win at Mainz, but Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak was powerless to stop it.
It was Lewandowski's 24th goal in 24 appearances for club and country this season.
In celebration, the 28-year-old shoved the matchball under his playing shirt and stuck his thumb in his mouth amidst rumours in the Polish media that his wife Anna is pregnant.
Atletico's defence closed down the Bayern attack after the break with Sanches twice unable to get a clean shot away from good positions due to Madrid shirts blocking him.
The host starved Atletico of the ball with Bayern enjoying just under 75 percent possession. Thiago squandered a golden chance to add a second on 78 minutes.
Costa whipped in a pin-point cross, but the Spain international's half volley from five metres out flew over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
Comments
SHARE