Bayern Munich 0-0 Sevilla (Aggregate: 2-1): Jupp Heynckes' side edge into Champions League semi-finalsBy Oliver Yew
Last Updated: 11/04/18 10:24pm
Bayern Munich booked their place in the semi-finals of the Champions League, securing a 0-0 draw against Sevilla at the Allianz Arena to complete a 2-1 aggregate victory. Leading 2-1 from the first leg in Seville, Bayern were in pole position at the start of the night with Sevilla needing to score at least twice to have any chance of progression. Vincenzo Montella's side had their chances in the first half with Joaquin Correa and Sergio Escudero both failing to convert. They continued to trouble Bayern, who had won their last seven successive Champions League games, with Correa's header hitting the crossbar and Ever Banega's long-range effort flashing wide.
However, it all ended in frustration for the Spanish side, who lost Correa late on to a straight red card, as Bayern held on to book their place alongside Real Madrid, Liverpool and Roma in Friday's semi-final draw.
Robert Lewandowski has scored 35 goals in 39 games for Bayern this season and he almost had his 36th in the eighth minute, meeting Joshua Kimmich's cross from the right, but David Soria tipped the Poland international's header over the crossbar.
Bayern have been in brilliant form at the Allianz Arena in recent weeks, beating Hamburg and Borussia Dortmund 6-0 in their last two home games, but they were not having things all their own way against Sevilla.
The Spanish side, who knocked out Manchester United at Old Trafford in the last round, were creating chances of their own but Correa's effort was easily saved by Sven Ulreich and Escudero's shot sailed wide of the far post.
Bayern remained a threat on the break, though, and Soria needed to be alert to keep out Franck Ribery's powerful drive, as did Jesus Navas, who slid in to turn the ball behind with the Frenchman poised for a tap in.
Bayern improved after the break as Lewandowski's header hit the side netting and Thomas Muller's shot was punched clear by Soria, but Sevilla were still providing a threat of their own.
Their best chance fell to Correa, who rose above the Bayern defence to meet Banega's free-kick, only to see his header rebound off the crossbar.
Banega then tried his luck from distance but the midfielder's effort failed to test Ulreich as Sevilla's hopes began to fade.
Montella sent on Sandro Ramirez and Nolito late on for one final throw of the dice but it was Arjen Robben who almost finished the tie, smashing a low shot into the side netting.
Sevilla's hopes were finally dashed when Correa's frustrations boiled over. The forward caught Javi Martinez with a late challenge right in front of the dugouts and Scottish referee Willie Collum brandished a straight red card as Bayern held on to advance.
The Bayern full-back produced an industrious performance on the left.
He made an impact at both ends of the pitch, making two last-ditch challenges in defence and producing a number of excellent crosses in attack.
It was in defence, though, where Bayern will be most grateful for his contributions. The 32-year-old slid in to deny Pablo Sarabia when the Spaniard was through on goal and he also got a vital foot to the ball when Wissam Ben Yedder was poised to get a shot in.
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