CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: 5-star Bayern Munich Tear Arsenal Apart

Arsenal were yesterday outclassed as they lost 5-1 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of the champions’ league round of sixteen to leave their chances of advancing to the quarter finals in tatters.

Arjen Robben gave the hosts an early lead before Alex Sanchez restored parity minutes later. However the Gunners collapsed in the second half conceding three goals in ten minutes through Robert Lewandowski and Thiago Alcantara and there was still time for Thomas Muller to come off the bench and add the fifth goal.

If the Germans get so much as one on the break, Arsenal will need six to progress in normal time. And Munich always look capable of doing that. Certainly if Arsenal are without Laurent Koscielny, as now seems likely.

He limped off after 49 minutes with what seemed like a hamstring injury, the score tied 1-1. Within 14 minutes it was 4-1 to Bayern, another collapse of a type Arsenal fans know only too well.

Robert Lewandowski scented blood like a shark, Bayern’s forwards descended on Arsenal like a school of peckish piranhas. Claret everywhere.

It wasn’t substitute Gabriel’s fault. He just happened to be present when the weakness in this side came to the fore again. Shkodran Mustafi was equally culpable — so, too, what passes for Arsenal’s midfield protection.

When the pressure is on against the elite of Europe, Arsenal collapse. It can hardly have come as a surprise, either, having happened for seven straight seasons now.

Might it be the last time under Wenger, though? Maybe, after this.

Elsewhere defending champions Real Madrid overcame an early set back to beat Napoli 3-1 at Santiago Bernabeu.

-DailyMail