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Bayern Munich fought back after conceding the first goal of the game to claim a 2-1 win away to Sevilla that makes them clear favorites to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League.
A Jesus Navas own goal and a smart finish from Spain international Thiago Alcantara were enough to overturn Pablo Sarabia's opening for the home side, who were cheered on by a fervent home crowd in the Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.
Sevilla coach Vincenzo Montella produced a major surprise in an 11 without the suspended Ever Banega when he included goalkeeper David Soria in his side ahead of Sergio Rico, who had been the Italian's clear first choice since replaced Eduardo Berizzo.
Bayern looked to dominate from the start, but after an early shot over the bar from Thomas Muller, the game evened out and got bad-tempered with Frank Ribery and Joaquin Correa both booked by the Italian referee.
Sarabia should have put Sevilla ahead, but pulled a loose ball wide when well placed and with space in the Bayern area, but he did better with a long range shot which drew a save from Sven Ulreich on the half hour, before then opening the scoring two minutes later after a fine pass from left back Sergio Escudero.
In the 36th minute James Rodriguez replaced the injured Arturo Vidal, moments before Jesus Navas deflected Ribery's low cross past Soria for the equalizer.
Bayern came out to dominate the game at the start of the second half and for 20 minutes Sevilla were chasing the ball, although the German side's best chance was a long range effort from James which flashed just over the bar.
Javi Martinez then saw Soria save a shot before Thiago Alcantara put Bayern ahead with a close range header following a Ribery cross.
Sevilla struggled to react to the goal and Muller and James had further chances to add to their lead before Steven N' Zonzi and Sandro Ramirez both had chances to level the score, but Bayern's second half display meant they deserved the win.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
