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.
The result almost means the Bavarians have knocked the Gunners out of the competition for the third time in the last five years.
In fact, the German champions continued their dominance over the English team who they’ve now beaten six times in their previous 11 meetings.
Alexis Sanchez had fired in a penalty rebound at the third attempt to cancel out Arjen Robben’s stunning opener to give the Gunners hope going in at the break.
But an injury to Laurent Koscielny early in the second half 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 a penalty and missed two good chances in the first half – headed the hosts back in front before turning provider with a delightful flick for Thiago.
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 up.
It was Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s 16th straight home win 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.
In the other encounter, Karim Benzema, Casemiro and Toni Kroos helped Real Madrid to a 3-1 victory over Napoli.
