LONDON: Arsenal swept into the Champions League quarter-finals as Nicklas Bendtner silenced his critics with a hat-trick in a majestic 5-0 win against Porto early this morning.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich also reached the quarter-finals on away goals despite a 3-2 defeat at Fiorentina in a thrilling last 16 second leg tie.

Dutchman Arjen Robben found the net from 25-metres out with a wind-assisted shot in the 65th minute to make the aggregate score 4-4 after the German side won the first leg 2-1.

Arsene Wenger's side had trailed 2-1 from the first leg of this second round tie, but Bendtner overturned that deficit within 25 minutes of the return at the Emirates Stadium to set up a 6-2 aggregate victory.

French midfielder Samir Nasri put Arsenal in total control with a sublime solo effort in the second half and Emmanuel Eboue added a fourth before Bendtner completed his treble from the penalty spot. It was a sweet moment of vindication for Bendtner after the Denmark striker came in for some stinging criticism for his poor finishing in Saturday's victory over Burnley.

While Bendtner's lack of goals had led some fans to call for him to be dropped, Wenger kept faith in the 22-year-old and got his reward as the Dane helped Arsenal keep alive their bid for a Premier League and Champions League double.

Although Porto arrived with a slender advantage, the Portuguese champions had lost their last six matches in London and, even without injured captain Cesc Fabregas, it was Arsenal who dominated from the start.

Andrey Arshavin was left unmarked at the far post and the tiny Russian's header drew a good save from Helton.