Bayern Munich avoided the pitfalls endured by some of their fellow European heavyweights as a goalless draw against 10-man Sevilla booked a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
Last week’s 2-1 comeback win at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan proved enough as a spirited Sevilla were unable to respond with the away goals they needed.
Sevilla enjoyed enough openings in the first half to make life uncomfortable for their illustrious hosts but lacked composure in front of goal.
Joaquin Correa’s header against the crossbar after half-time was the closest Manchester United’s conquerors came to a breakthrough, although the Argentina forward’s night ended in ignominy as he was set off for a horrible stoppage-time lunge on Javi Martinez.
Bayern closed out an aggregate victory that will not live long in the memory with little fuss, increasing their chances of an unforgettable triumph in Kiev at the end of May.
James Rodriguez – so impressive from the Bayern bench in the first leg – grazed the top of the netting with a free-kick after Gabriel Mercado was a touch fortunate to see only yellow for hauling down Robert Lewandowski in the second minute.
At the other end, Sevilla winger Pablo Sarabia stole in front of Rafinha but blazed over, while Correa failed to make a clean contact from Jesus Navas’ 17th-minute cross.
Navas made a goal-saving challenge at right-back when Thomas Muller slid a low ball towards Ribery at the back post, but a last-ditch tackle by Rafinha on Sarabia in the final minute of the half underlined Bayern’s continued unease.
Bayern’s best move of the match in the 49th minute ended with Lewandowski sending a back-post header from Rafinha’s chipped cross into the side-netting.
Jupp Heynckes’ side were able to resume control of proceedings as Sevilla faded – a tired hack over from Steven N’Zonzi indicating there would be no repeat of the late Old Trafford drama long before Correa disgraced himself– and Bayern’s veteran coach remains in contention for a stunning repeat of his 2012-13 treble.
FT: Bayern Munuch 0-0 Sevilla (Agg:2-1)