Bayern Munich have placed one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals by beating Arsenal 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium tonight.

A powerful Bayern side full of quality players were simply too good for Arsene Wenger's Gunners, who at stages looked like boys against men, and have now seen their Champions League hopes dashed.

The opening goal came in just the seventh minute when Toni Kroos hit a stunning first-time shot from Thomas Muller's rightwing cross straight into the ground to see it fly past a helpless Wojciech Szczesny.

Less than 15 minutes later and Bayern were two to the good when Muller was on hand to acrobatically flash home from close range after Szczesny had kept out Daniel van Buyten's close range header.

Arsenal were given some hope when former Bayern striker Lukas Podolski managed to get his head on Jack Wilshere's corner when Manuel Neuer was inexplicably way off his line.

Olivier Giroud had a great chance to level the tie in the 72nd minute but his first-time side-footer was struck straight at Neuer before Bayern killed the game in fortuitous circumstances when Philipp Lahm's low cross form the right struck the foot of Mario Mandzukic before bobbling up over Szczesny and into the back of the net.

The first leg result makes it an extremely difficult task for Wenger's men in the return bout at the Allianz Arena on March 13, especially considering Jupp Heynckes' side has been beaten at home just once this season in all competitions.

2012/13 UEFA Champions League - Round of 16 first leg

Arsenal (ENG): 1 (Lukas Podolski 55') Bayern Munich (GER): 3 (Toni Kroos 7', Thomas Muller 21', Mario Mandzukic 77')

Emirates Stadium, London - 59,974

Yellow cards:ARS - Thomas Vermaelen 15', Bacary Sagna 23', Mikel Arteta 24', Lukas Podolski 66', Aaron Ramsey 67' BAY - Bastian Schweinsteiger 36', Thomas Muller 58', Philipp Lahm 90'