MUNICH — Defending champion Bayern Munich came from behind to reach its third straight UEFA Champions League semifinal, getting second-half goals from Mario Mandzukic, Thomas Mueller and Arjen Robben to beat Manchester United 3-1 Wednesday night and advance on 4-2 aggregate.
Following a 1-1 tie at Old Trafford last week in the first leg, Manchester United went ahead when Patrice Evra scored on a left-footed volley from the edge of the penalty area in the 57th minute.
Mandzukic tied the score two minutes later with a diving header off Franck Ribery’s cross, beating goalkeeper David de Gea. Mueller put Bayern ahead in the 68th when he knocked in Robben’s low cross, and Robben got the final goal in the 76th with a shot that deflected off a foot of defender Nemanja Vidic.
“I think it`s great how we came back despite this little setback,” Mueller said. “If we look at both matches, I think we deserved to come through.”
The loss means United looks set to miss the Champions League next season for the first time since 1995-96. David Moyes’ team is only seventh in the Premier League, with only the faintest of hopes of finishing in the top four. Its only realistic chance of qualifying for Europe’s top competition was to win it this season, but now the team’s last chance for a trophy is also gone.
The draw for the semifinals will take place Friday.
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