Bayern Munich's Arturo Vidal (C) shoots during the first round match of eighth-finals of 2017-18 UEFA Champions League between Bayern Munich of Germany and Besiktas Istanbul of Turkey, in Munich, Germany, on Feb. 20, 2018. Bayern Munich won 5-0. (Xinhua/Philippe Ruiz)
BERLIN, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Bayern have one foot already in the next round after beating ten-men Besiktas 5-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League last 16 on Tuesday.
The German record champions are in good contention for reaching the next round in Europe's elite competition as a brace from Bayern's Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowski helped to sink Turkish outfit Besiktas 5-0.
Both sides staged an evenly balanced performance but things changed with 16 minutes played as Domagoj Vida received his marching orders after bringing down Robert Lewandowski, who was through and running goalwards.
Despite a numerical advantage, the "Bavarians" needed 43 minutes to open the scoring as Thomas Mueller broke the deadlock after creating a number of chances from close range.
The hosts dominated possession and wasted no time to double the lead after the restart as Robert Lewandowski's square pass allowed Kingsley Coman to slot home from central position from inside the box with 53 minutes into the game.
Besiktas tried to limit the damage but Bayern pressed relentlessly forward as Mueller wrapped up his brace after benefitting on Joshua Kimmich's at the near post in the 66th minute.
Although Bayern had a three-goal lead they were not done with the scoring whereas Besiktas were unable to put up resistance. Robert Lewandowski pulled off a late double strike to seal the deal with two minutes to the final whistle.
"It's very difficult for any team to play with ten men. I'm very happy that we won so comfortably against such a team. We will still prepare as normal for the return leg. You cannot take any risks in the UEFA Champions League," Bayern head coach Jupp Heynckes said.
"Now we will return to the league. It is hard to come back against Bayern after such a result," Besiktas head coach Senol Guenes.
With the result, Besiktas will have to overturn a 5-0 deficit on home soil at the second leg on March 14.
