Bayern Munich humiliate Arsenal with second-half goal raid

Thiago Alcantara struck twice as Bayern Munich produced a second-half masterclass to destroy Arsenal 5-1 at the Allianz Arena and take a firm grip of their Champions League last 16 tie.

Alexis Sanchez had fired in a penalty rebound at the second attempt to cancel out Arjen Robben's stunning opener and give the Gunners real hope going in at the break.

The away side weathered an early storm and created some good openings late in the first period, but an injury to Laurent Koscielny just after the interval proved to be a huge turning point as the Bavarians struck three goals in 10 minutes following his departure.

Robert Lewandowski - who had given away the spot kick and missed two good chances in the first half - headed the hosts back in front before turning provider with a delightful flick for Thiago to fire home. The Spaniard added a deflected fourth before substitute Thomas Muller rubbed salt in the visitors' wounds.

At times Bayern were mesmerising but the manner of Arsenal's capitulation in their manager's 100th away match in Europe will have many suggesting Wenger's time is finally up.

It was Carlo Ancelotti's side's 16th home win on the spin in the competition and means the Gunners are on the verge of a seventh straight exit at this stage, with the second leg at Emirates Stadium on March 7 seeming like a mere formality for the Germans.

Deja vu for Arsenal - The Gunners have been here before in more ways than one. Last season they were humbled on this ground by the same scoreline in the group stage and they now look set to bow out at the last 16 yet again. Wenger may point to Koscielny's unfortunate departure as a game changer, but the loss of one player should not have resulted in such a disastrous collapse. Questions will be asked of the Arsenal boss, and this result will do little to alter the growing feeling that this will be his final season in charge.

Thiago (Bayern Munich). Take your pick. Bayern's attacking players had a field day, but Thiago was particularly impressive throughout. Struck his first ever Champions League double, notched an assist and was the architect of many an incisive move.

BAYERN MUNICH: Neuer 7, Lahm 8, Hummels 6, Martínez 6, Alaba 7, Alonso 7, Vidal 7, Robben 8, Thiago 9, Costa 8, Lewandowski 7. Subs: Kimmich n/a, Muller n/a, Rafinha n/a.

ARSENAL: Ospina 7; Bellerin 5, Mustafi 5, Koscielny 7, Gibbs 5; Xhaka 6, Coquelin 5; Oxlade-Chamberlain 5, Ozil 5, Iwobi 5; Sanchez 6. Subs: Gabriel 5, Walcott 5, Giroud n/a.

11' - GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 1-0 ARSENAL. Robben opens the scoring as he cuts in on that wand of a left foot and curves a stunning long range effort beyond the dive of Ospina.

30' - GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 1-1 ARSENAL. Sanchez sees his spot kick saved by Neuer, but he reacts quickly to chest and volley a smart finish into the corner after initially failing to connect with the rebound. The Gunners were awarded the penalty when Lewandowski caught Koscielny trying to clear a corner.

53' - GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 2-1 ARSENAL. Bayern regain the lead. Lahm bombs forward and delivers a delicious cross for Lewandowski to climb above Mustafi and thump a header into the corner. Koscielny's exit with injury costs Arsenal within minutes.

56' - GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 3-1 ARSENAL. It's all gone wrong for Arsenal. It's two in three minutes for Bayern as Thiago slots home Lewandowski's delightful flick.

63' - GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 4-1 ARSENAL. Thiago grabs his second. Bayern's pressure tells as the Spaniard's 20 yard drive hits Xhaka and flies into the net. It was coming after Lewandowski's deflected shot hit the bar and Ospina d somehow kept out Martinez's header from close range.

88' - GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 5-1 ARSENAL. It's five and it's deja vu for Arsenal who went down by this scoreline at the same venue last season. Muller makes an instant impact as he coolly tucks into the far corner after collecting a pass from Thiago on the right of the area.

This was Arsene Wenger’s 100th away game in Europe as Arsenal manager.

Robben scored on his 100th home start for Bayern.

Lewandowski has scored 15 goals in his last 13 Champions League games at the Allianz Arena.

Sanchez has been directly involved in 33 goals in his last 31 games in all comps (20 goals, 13 assists).

Bayern Munich have won their last 16 CL home games, the longest winning run in the history of the competition.

Arsenal are the first English team with 200 conceded Champions League goals.

Arsenal have conceded 5 goals in a game for the first time since Nov 2015, their last clash with Bayern Munich (1-5).