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Lazio pulled off a stunning upset against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 encounter, with Ciro Immobile’s penalty securing a crucial victory for the Italian side.
Immobile’s decisive spot-kick came midway through the second half after Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano was sent off for a challenge on Gustav Isaksen, leaving the German giants with a mountain to climb.
Despite boasting an impressive attacking lineup featuring the likes of Harry Kane, Bayern struggled to make an impact, succumbing to their second defeat in just five days. This result heaps further pressure on manager Thomas Tuchel, following Bayern’s recent 3-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
The match itself was characterized by a lack of clear-cut opportunities, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm. Bayern’s star striker Kane squandered their best chance of the first half, while Manuel Neuer denied Isaksen early in the second period.
However, the game burst into life in the 67th minute when Upamecano’s reckless challenge in the box led to his dismissal and Immobile calmly converted the ensuing penalty, sending Neuer the wrong way and igniting celebrations among the Lazio faithful at the Stadio Olimpico.
Lazio, appearing in just their third Champions League last-16 tie, now hold a valuable advantage heading into the second leg in Munich on 5 March as they seek to eliminate the six-time champions.
