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Mueller shines as Bayern thrash 10-man Besiktas

Despite the dismissal of the Croatia defender, Bayern initially struggled to make the advantage count as the Besiktas defence, marshalled by Portugal veteran centre-back Pepe, refused to buckle.

– Severe punishment –

The Turkish champions created chances of their own as winger Ricardo Quaresma beat Bayern centre-back Hummels before firing wide, while Pepe shot over the bar.

But Bayern broke the deadlock when Coman whipped in a cross and David Alaba flicked the ball to Mueller, who tapped the ball through Fabri’s legs on 43 minutes.

Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez went off with a calf injury just after the goal, replaced by veteran winger Arjen Robben, a surprise exclusion from the starting side, in a move that pushed Mueller more central to accommodate the Dutchman.

Bayern maintained the pressure following the restart as Lewandowski hit the post with a free-kick four minutes into the second half.

The Poland forward turned provider for Coman’s goal, passing back inside after being put in behind the defence by Mueller.

With the Besiktas defence worrying about Mueller and Vidal, Coman steamed into the area unmarked to slam home Bayern’s second goal on 52 minutes.

As Bayern continued to pepper the Besiktas goal, visiting coach Senol Gunes sacrificed striker Vagner Love for defender Dusko Tosic to try and limit the damage.

It had little effect though as Bayern grabbed their third when Kimmich’s cross was met by Mueller at the near post on 66 minutes.

A speculative Hummels shot was then kept out well by Fabri, but Lewandowski was on hand to tuck away his 28th goal of the season in all competitions on 79 minutes.

Mueller and Lewandowski combined for Bayern’s fifth goal when the Germany forward squared for his Polish team-mate to cap the rout two minutes from time.

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