Munich, Germany – Bayern Munich placed one foot in the Champions League final by running out to a 4-0 thrashing of Barcelona in the first leg of their semifinal tie at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.
The home side got off the mark in the 25th minute when Dante rose above Dani Alves to nod Arjen Robben's cross back in front of goal. Thomas Muller arrived at the back post to send a powerful header past Gerard Pique and Victor Valdes.
Bayern doubled its advantage four minutes into the second half with a similar goal to the opener. Robben's corner kick to the back post was headed back to the top of the six-yard box for Mario Gomez to fire home a shot from close range.
Robben made it three in the 73rd minute with a brilliant solo effort. The Dutchman dribbled along the side of the penalty area as Muller blocked off Jordi Alba, allowing Robben to slip a shot past Valdes.
Muller completed the rout eight minutes from time, slotting home a cross from David Alaba to put Bayern firmly in the driver's seat.
Barcelona has been left with a massive mountain to climb, needing to overturn the four-goal deficit in the return leg at Camp Nou on May 1.
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