Italian side Lazio secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 encounter. Here’s a breakdown of the match and its significant moments:

Immobile’s Decisive Penalty

In the 69th minute, Ciro Immobile made no mistake from the penalty spot, capitalizing on a clumsy challenge by Bayern’s Dayot Upamecano on Gustav Isaksen. Upamecano’s reckless tackle earned him a straight red card, leaving Bayern with ten men and paving the way for Lazio’s victory.

Defensive Brilliance from Lazio

Lazio’s disciplined defensive display frustrated Bayern Munich throughout the game. Despite being favorites, Bayern struggled to break down Lazio’s resilient backline and failed to register a single shot on target, marking the first time since February 2019 that they’ve endured such a drought in competitive football.

Bayern’s Frustrations

The Bavarian giants, reeling from a recent Bundesliga defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, faced mounting pressure as they failed to find their rhythm against Lazio. Coach Thomas Tuchel expressed his disappointment with his team’s performance, citing individual errors and a lack of concentration as the primary reasons for their defeat.

Immobile’s Composure

Following his decisive penalty, Immobile emphasized the team’s preparation and determination to make an impact in the match. His clinical finish from the spot gave Lazio a crucial advantage heading into the second leg in Munich.

Looking Ahead

With the tie delicately poised, both teams will be gearing up for a fiercely contested second leg. Lazio will aim to maintain their defensive solidity, while Bayern Munich will be eager to overturn the deficit and secure passage to the next round.