Harry Kane scored once and provided an assist as Bayern Munich sealed a 2-0 victory at Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 5-0 aggregate win.
Bayern had already established a dominant 3-0 lead in the first leg at home and were comfortable throughout the return match. The first half ended goalless, with Leverkusen pressing for a breakthrough, but it was Bayern who struck first. Kane danced through the Leverkusen defense to tap in a cross from Joshua Kimmich early in the second half.
Leverkusen, continuing to push forward, were caught again in the 71st minute. Kane lifted a clever chip into the box, and Alphonso Davies finished with a powerful shot to double Bayern’s lead.
Kane, often criticized for not delivering in big moments, was commanding in both legs, showcasing his skill and physicality. He had already scored a brace in Munich, and his performance in Leverkusen kept Bayern on track for a possible dream home final, offering a chance to avenge their 2012 Champions League final defeat to Chelsea.
Leverkusen fought valiantly but were missing key midfielder Florian Wirtz, and the task proved too difficult. With the team eight points behind Bayern in the league, Xabi Alonso’s best shot at silverware this season now lies in the German Cup, where Leverkusen are through to the semi-finals.
Leverkusen had hoped to turn the tables after a heavy loss in Munich, but without Wirtz and following criticism of Alonso’s previous team selections, they struggled to match Bayern’s intensity. Alonso made changes, bringing in striker Patrik Schick and goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky, but the hosts never fully found their rhythm.
Bayern’s early dominance was evident, with Kane forcing acrobatic saves from Hradecky in the opening 15 minutes. Leverkusen lacked fluidity but remained determined, with Alonso urging his side forward.
Schick, who had played just 11 minutes in Leverkusen’s last two matches, had their best chance of the first half, heading just wide on the 38th minute.
In the second half, Leverkusen’s pursuit of goals left them exposed, and Bayern capitalized. Kane’s goal in the 52nd minute effectively sealed the tie, and his assist for Davies’ goal ensured Bayern’s progression into the last eight.
For Kane, it was another statement performance on the biggest stage, keeping his personal quest for a team trophy alive as Bayern push for Champions League glory.
AFP
