Bayern Munich Wins Champions League Group After Thrilling Draw at Ajax
AMSTERDAM (AP) – Nicolas Tagliafico scored a stoppage-time equalizer as Ajax salvaged a thrilling 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich that saw the German side top Champions League Group E.
Robert Lewandowski scored twice and substitute Kingsley Coman looked to have grabbed a winner for Bayern in the 90th minute before defender Tagliafico tapped in the equalizer five minutes into stoppage time of a match that saw both sides have a man sent off and both awarded a penalty by referee Clement Turpin.
Both teams were sure of progressing to the round of 16 ahead of the match at Johan Cruyff Arena and Bayern needed only a draw to ensure top spot. With group victory at stake, the two teams put on a memorable show.
Lewandowski put five-time European champion Bayern ahead in the 13th minute and restored its lead with an 87th-minute penalty after Tadic had scored twice to put Ajax in front. Coman calmly fired the ball past Andre Onana in the 90th, before Tagliafico's equalizer.
Lewandoski's brace took his tally in this season's Champions League to a competition-leading eight goals, two ahead of Lionel Messi. Tadic's goals took him to five in the competition this season.
By the time Tadic put Ajax in front, both teams had been reduced to 10 men after referee Clement Turpin showed Maximilian Woeber a straight red card for a foul on Leon Goretzka in the 67th minute and dismissed Thomas Mueller eight minutes later for a clumsy challenge on Nicolas Tagliafico.
In the group's other match, Benfica beat AEK Athens 1-0.
