- Kane scores twice as Bayern dominate 10-man Leverkusen in UCL clash.
- Musiala capitalizes on goalkeeper error to double Bayern’s lead.
- Kane sets new English scoring record in Champions League campaign.
Bayern Munich took a commanding step towards the Champions League quarter-finals after a Harry Kane brace powered them to a convincing victory over 10-man Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their last-16 clash.
Kane opened the scoring early in the all-German showdown before Jamal Musiala capitalised on a goalkeeping error from Matej Kovar to double Bayern’s lead. Leverkusen’s hopes of a comeback suffered a further blow when Nordi Mukiele received a second yellow card just past the hour mark. Kane then sealed the win with his second goal of the night, calmly converting from the penalty spot for his 31st goal of the season.
Bayern wasted little time asserting their dominance, striking in the ninth minute when Kane beat Mukiele to a pinpoint cross from Michael Olise, heading past Kovar to put the hosts ahead.
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Leverkusen nearly responded after Dayot Upamecano’s errant backpass gifted Jeremie Frimpong a golden opportunity, but Bayern captain Manuel Neuer produced a crucial save to preserve the lead. Vincent Kompany’s men continued to push, with Musiala rattling the crossbar from a Joshua Kimmich corner.
However, any hopes of a Leverkusen fightback faded early in the second half when Kimmich’s delivery slipped through Kovar’s gloves, allowing Musiala to tap into an empty net. Moments later, Mukiele’s reckless challenge on Kingsley Coman saw him sent off, further tilting the game in Bayern’s favour.
The Bundesliga leaders extended their advantage after a VAR review confirmed Edmond Tapsoba’s foul on Kane during a corner, allowing the England striker to convert from 12 yards.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Kane emphasised the significance of the result: “This is the Champions League, the biggest stage of all. We’re playing against a team that has had an unbelievable couple of seasons. If we don’t carry this momentum forward, it won’t mean anything. We’re here to send a message—not just to everyone, but to ourselves.”
Kane’s two-goal haul saw him set a new record for the most goals scored by an English player in a single Champions League campaign, equaling Dennis Viollet’s nine-goal tally for Manchester United in the 1956-57 European Cup. His tally of nine knockout-stage goals also places him behind only Frank Lampard (15) and Wayne Rooney (14) among Englishmen.
Since joining Bayern, Kane has outscored every player across Europe’s top five leagues, with 75 goals in all competitions—including 17 in the Champions League, the highest in that period.
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Former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger praised Kane’s impact: “He was instrumental in the win. Some question whether he’s peaked when he has quieter games, but his record speaks for itself. He’s crucial to Bayern.”
Athletic journalist Rory Smith weighed in on the ongoing debate about Kane’s role: “There are times when his mobility is questioned. In a recent game against Frankfurt, Bayern looked more fluid without him. But when you have a striker this reliable, how do you leave him out?”
The second leg at the BayArena is set for Tuesday, March 11 (20:00 GMT), with Bayern firmly in control as they look to seal their place in the quarter-finals.
