Ciro Immobile’s penalty ensured Lazio’s 1-0 victory over Bayern Munich, granting them an advantage in the first leg of the Champions League, while Dayot Upamecano was sent off.
Ciro Immobile, the star striker for SS Lazio, was the hero of the night as he celebrated scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot in a thrilling UEFA Champions League clash against FC Bayern München. The match took place at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome on February 14, 2024.
Lazio secured a famous 1-0 victory over a wasteful 10-man Bayern Munich in the first leg of the round of 16. The Italian side put up a strong defensive display in the first half, frustrating the German champions. However, the breakthrough came in the 69th minute when Dayot Upamecano was rightfully sent off for a reckless challenge on Gustav Isaksen.
After VAR confirmed the decision, Immobile confidently stepped up to take the penalty and sent Bayern’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, the wrong way. The goal sealed the win for Lazio and condemned Bayern to their second consecutive defeat, following their 3-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
Lazio’s disciplined performance was deserving of the victory as they managed to frustrate Bayern, who had 15 shots at goal but failed to hit the target throughout the match. It was a forgettable night for the visiting side at the Stadio Olimpico.
Bayern now have the task of turning things around in the second leg, which will take place in Munich on March 5. They will need to rectify their mistakes and find a way past Lazio’s resilient defense if they want to progress in the Champions League.
Here are some highlights from the match:
9′ – A golden chance for Bayern as Muller sets up Kane, but the English striker fails to convert the volley and sends it over the bar. A missed opportunity for the visitors.
29′ – Bayern earns a free-kick just outside the Lazio box after Musiala is fouled. Sane takes the shot but narrowly misses the target. So close to an opening goal for Bayern.
39′ – Bayern comes close again with a brilliant team move, but Musiala fails to hit the target. A miss that leaves their manager, Thomas Tuchel, in disbelief.
48′ – Lazio squanders a huge chance as Isaksen hesitates with his shot on goal, allowing Neuer to make the save. A mistake by Kim gives Lazio the opportunity, but they fail to capitalize.
67′ – Lazio is awarded a penalty after Upamecano’s reckless challenge on Isaksen. The Bayern defender is shown a red card, and Kimmich receives a yellow card for complaining. VAR confirms the decision.
69′ – Immobile steps up to take the penalty and coolly slots it to Neuer’s left, while the goalkeeper dives the other way. The goal gives Lazio a 1-0 lead and ignites the atmosphere in Rome.
Overall, it was a memorable night for Lazio and their fans, while Bayern will need to regroup and come back stronger in the second leg.