Point enough to see Bayern into last 16

Bayern Munich's Argentinean midfielder Martin Demichelis (R) vies for the ball against Sporting Lisbon's Yannick of Brazil during their group B Champions League football match at the Allianz Arena stadium in Munich. Bayern Munich qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare despite firing blanks in a 0-0 group B draw.

Bayern Munich qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare despite firing blanks in a 0-0 group B draw with Sporting Lisbon.

After winning their first three games German champions Bayern were in the box seat at the top but, while their perfect record came to an end, the point is enough to send them into the knockout phase.

Bayern top the group on ten points and one more victory will see them go into the last 16 as group winners.

With German international Bastian Schweinsteiger suspended and Dutch midfielder Marc van Bommel injured, Bayern coach Felix Magath was forced to rejig his team.

Bayern Munich's Argentinean midfielder Martin Demichelis (R) vies for the ball against Sporting Lisbon's Liedson of Brazil during their group B Champions League football match at the Allianz Arena stadium in Munich. Bayern Munich qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare despite firing blanks in a 0-0 group B draw.

Defender Christian Lell, a 22-year-old local lad from Munich, was handed his Champions League debut at right back as Willy Sagnol moved forward into midfield.

Bayern could have taken the lead as early as the 11th minute with Dutch forward Roy Makaay driving his shot inches wide of the post after a brilliant reverse pass from Sagnol.

Makaay, the club's record signing at 18.75 million euros, had his team's other chance close to half-time but his tame shot was easily saved by Sporting goalkeeper Ricardo.

The Portuguese visitors had their moments of danger but often overplayed at the critical stage.

Bayern Munich's Belgian defender Daniel van Buyten (L) vies for the ball against Sporting Lisbon's Liedson of Brazil during their group B Champions League football match at the Allianz Arena stadium in Munich. Bayern Munich qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare despite firing blanks in a 0-0 group B draw.

Bayern looked solid at the back despite the absence of injured Brazilian international centre-back Lucio and kept another clean sheet and they have yet to concede a goal in Europe's flagship competition this season.

Bayern, winners of this competition in 2001, lead the standings four points ahead of Inter Milan who defeated Spartak Moscow 1-0 earlier on Tuesday. Spartak - winless in their last 22 Champions League matches - are Bayern's next opponents in the Russian capital on November 22.