Lazio vs. Bayern Munich score: Champions League titleholders on verge of quarterfinals after dominant win

Bayern Munich scored early and often against Lazio on Tuesday

Bayern Munich have taken a huge step toward the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals with a convincing, 4-1 win in their round of 16 first leg away at SS Lazio on Tuesday. The titleholders made the perfect start to their knockout phase with Robert Lewandowski opening the scoring inside of 10 minutes after being gifted the opportunity to become the third-best scorer in the competition's history by Mateo Musacchio. 

That was also after Bayern had already threatened once with the Poland international uncharacteristically unable to connect with Joshua Kimmich's drilled ball across the face of goal at Stadio Olimpico.

Lazio had a penalty appeal dismissed before the midway point of the first half and the Germans capitalized fully on 24 minutes with 17-year-old Jamal Musiala finishing from the edge of the box after being teed up by Leon Goretzka to further his growing hype. 

Hansi Flick's men were not done there as Kingsley Coman was unable to connect with David Alaba's sublime searching pass forward and Luis Alberto picked up a booking while Musacchio was hooked after a torrid opening 30 minutes and replaced by Senad Lulic.

Leroy Sane's finish from close range made it 3-0 after 42 minutes and it looked as if Bayern might take their foot off the gas for the second half. Just two minutes after the break, though, the visitors added another goal with Francesco Acerbi putting through his own net.

Joaquin Correa did pull one back swiftly for the hosts after being teed up by Alberto, but the damage had already been done and the Italians had no answer to Bayern's might. Lucas Leiva, Correa, Adam Marusic and Gonzalo Escalante picked up further bookings as Lazio showed no shortage of commitment, but their quality was lacking on the night as Bayern settled for their four goals with Kimmich and Coman picking up late cautions. Advantage to the defending champions ahead of leg two and in truth, it feels like this one might already be done.

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Lazio 1, Bayern Munich 4

⚽ Bayern Munich: Robert Lewandowski (9')
⚽ Bayern Munich: Jamal Musiala (24')
⚽ Bayern Munich: Leroy Sane (42')
⚽ Bayern Munich (Own Goal): Francesco Acerbi (47')
⚽ Lazio: Joaquin Correa (49')

[Feb 23, 2021 at 4:55 pm ET · Jonathan Johnson]

Big win that for Bayern as it puts them in a commanding position for the second leg and enables them to focus a little on the reignited Bundesliga title race. Lazio unexpectedly tame and it feels like this one does not really need a return leg. Then again, if the Italians can score first...