Manchester City and Inter Milan are in pole position to qualify for the semi-final stage of the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League following their respective victories.
City defeated Bayern Munich 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium – to extend their unbeaten home European run.
Rodri gave the Citizens the lead with a glorious strike in the 27th minute, after he received a pass from Bernardo Silva on the edge of the area, cutting to his weaker left foot and smashing a ferocious effort into the top corner.
Pep Guardiola’s side dominated and defended well for most parts of the contest while fending off a Bayern fightback and all hopes of that were lost following a dismal moment from Dayot Upamecano.
The Frenchman held onto the ball far too long in his area for Jack Grealish to pounce and Bernardo Silva’s head connected well to an Erling Haaland cross, to net the game’s second on 70 minutes.
The English champions began running away with the contest as Haaland netted his 45th goal in all competitions – becoming the first man playing in the English League to do so – as stretched to a John Stones pass to score in the 76th minute.
Bayern now has an uphill task to overturn a three-goal deficit when both sides square off for the return leg at the Allianz Arena, next Wednesday.
In Lisbon, Inter Milan has a two-goal advantage ahead of next week’s second leg against Benfica.
Following what was largely a cagey first half, Nicolo Barella headed the Nerazzuri in front after latching on to Alessandro Bastoni’s cross.
The game was put to bed following a Romelu Lukaku penalty three minutes from time.
The quarter-final first-leg games come to an end on Wednesday night as Real Madrid entertains Chelsea and Milan welcomes rivals, Napoli.
Results
Manchester City 3-0 Bayern Munich
Benfica 0-2 Inter Milan
Fixtures
Real Madrid vs Chelsea – 8:00 pm
Milan vs Napoli – 8:00 pm
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