Bayern thrash Basel to reach quarters

[sportsbot]

Mario Gomez hit four goals as Bayern Munich swiftly eliminated the threat of a UEFA Champions League exit before humiliating FC Basel 7-0.

The German club, whose Allianz Arena will stage the European final in May, had been embarrassed by a 1-0 loss to Basel three weeks ago at St Jakob Park.

But they warmed up for tonight with a 7-1 victory over Hoffenheim on Saturday, a match in which Gomez hit three, and the Germany striker went one better against the Swiss league leaders, profiting from the superb promptings of team-mates Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery, an attacking midfield trident the envy of most coaches in this competition.

fifa.com