Bayern Munich proved that their 7-1 victory over Hoffenheim over the weekend was no fluke as they thrashed Swiss club FC Basel 7-0 to move into the quarter finals comfortably.

Bayern’s victory was the biggest win in a Champions League knockout stage match after they bettered their own record set in 2009 at the same stage of the tournament when they beat Sporting Lisbon 7-1 at the Allianz Arena. The loss was aslo Basel’s worst ever away defeat in Europe breaking the previous record of 5-0 set in 1963 and equalled in Donestsk by Shaktar in 2008.

Of course, the remaining two teams who will join Bayern and Marseille in the last eight will be known today, however, after last night’s performance, the Bavarians just earned themselves the title of favourites. Moreover, with the final being held in their stadium, this could be Bayern’s year.

Bayern coach Heynckes praised his team for their performance calling the match ‘perfect’.

“All credit to my team. Overall, it was a perfect match. Today we played top football from the start to the finish. We went out and did what we set out to do: score an early goal,” he said.

In Italy Inter Milan were dramatically knocked out in the dying moments of the game after Brazilian striker Brandao snatched a last minute goal that sent the 2010 winners crushing out. The game ended 2-1 and 2-2 on aggregate with Marseille going through on the away goals rule.

Speaking after the match, a dejected Inter coach Claudio Ranieri admitted that it had been an easy year for his side.

“It has not been a good year,” Ranieri said.

“Should there now be an Inter revolution? No.

“You should not think of a revolution but a restructuring. The club knows that already. We will keep fighting, the wind has to change. The team can not give any more than it has given.”

The good news for Ranieri is that he has been given a vote of confidence by Inter President Massimo Moratti. Moratti was quick to defend Ranieri saying that the loss was not his fault.

“It’s not Ranieri’s fault,” Moratti said.

“Had we lost 4-0, I could have seen things in a different light, but having conceded two goals [in both legs] in injury time, I can’t make a negative judgement. Ranieri doesn’t deserve that.”

Tonight’s fixtures see Napoli visit Stamford Bridge to face a resurgent Chelsea while Real Madrid welcome CSKA Moscow to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Photo Credit © theseoduke