Bayern Munich advanced to the Champions League knockout stage for the 15th consecutive season after defeating Viktoria Plzen in Group C. While they have only won four of their first nine Bundesliga games, they maintained their 100 per cent record in the Champions League, scoring 13 goals and winning four matches in a row.
Within 35 minutes, Sadio Mane combined with Leon Goretzka before slotting home, Thomas Muller converted a Kingsley Coman cross, and Goretzka scored twice off passes from Leroy Sane.
With the advantage, Julian Nagelsmann made changes, including Muller, who left with an injury, resulting in a disjointed second-half performance that allowed Adam Vlkanova and Jan Kliment to score for Plzen. Bayern now need a point in their final two games against Barcelona and Inter Milan to secure first place.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur advanced to the knockout stages of the Champions League after coming from behind to defeat 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2. After the Europa League champions took an early lead through Daichi Kamada, two well-taken goals from Son Heung-Min, either side of a Harry Kane penalty, calmed the home fans in a hectic first half.
Frankfurt’s hopes of a comeback were dashed on the hour mark when defender Tuta was sent off for his second booking in as many minutes after twice bringing down Son on the left wing. With three minutes remaining, Faride Alidou rose highest from an inswinging corner to head the ball down and in for the Germans. Spurs held on despite Kane missing another penalty.
Antonio Conte’s team now leads Group D with seven points. However, no side have yet cemented their place in the knockout stages with two games remaining, Marseille and Sporting Club are tied on six points, and Frankfurt is still in the hunt on four.
On the other hand, Marseille’s chances of reaching the last 16 of the Champions League have been boosted by two wins in two matches.
After two consecutive defeats, Marseille has risen to second place, one point ahead of Sporting and one point behind Spurs.
