Bayern Munich's Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara (3L) celebrates a goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg football match between Sevilla FC and Bayern Munich at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in Sevilla. Pic/AFP

Bayern Munich placed one foot in the last four of the Champions League as Thiago Alcantara's header gave them a 2-1 win away to Sevilla on Tuesday in the first leg of their quarter-final in Spain. Sevilla had knocked out Manchester United in the last 16 and another shock looked on the cards when Pablo Sarabia struck from close range in the first half at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan. But Bayern's nous, and a little luck, proved decisive, as Jesus Navas diverted Franck Ribery's cross into his own net before Thiago headed in a winner, also deflected, in the second half. The result leaves Sevilla with a mountain to climb. The Spanish side will need to score at least twice in next week's second leg at the Allianz Arena to have any hope of reaching the last four.