Harry Kane delivered a masterclass at the Allianz Arena, scoring twice as Bayern Munich cruised to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday. Bayern, who had failed to defeat Xabi Alonso’s side in six previous encounters, dominated from the outset and put themselves in a commanding position to reach the quarter-finals.
Kane opened the scoring just nine minutes in, rising to meet a perfectly placed cross from Michael Olise and directing his header past goalkeeper Matej Kovar. The visitors’ night worsened early in the second half when Kovar, standing in for regular captain Lukas Hrádecký, made a costly blunder. Attempting to collect a routine Joshua Kimmich cross, the Czech goalkeeper misjudged his leap, fumbling the ball directly to Jamal Musiala, who made no mistake from close range.
Leverkusen’s hopes of a comeback took another hit when defender Nordi Mukiele received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Alphonso Davies, reducing the Bundesliga leaders to ten men. Shortly after, Kane was brought down in the box by Mukiele’s replacement, Edmond Tapsoba. Referee Michael Oliver consulted VAR before awarding the penalty, which the England captain confidently dispatched—his 30th consecutive successful spot-kick since missing against France in the 2022 World Cup. The goal sealed a vital first-leg victory for Bayern and kept their hopes of reaching this season’s final in Munich alive.
Leverkusen boss Alonso, who had urged his side to remain composed on the European stage, was left burying his face in his hands as Kane and his teammates celebrated their third goal. The result served as a reminder of Bayern’s enduring dominance in German football, despite Leverkusen’s impressive domestic campaign.
Leverkusen, who finished last season as unbeaten Bundesliga champions, had already knocked Bayern out of the German Cup this season and held them to a goalless draw in their league meeting last month. However, their recent dominance was firmly halted in Munich. Alonso opted to leave in-form striker Patrik Schick on the bench, a decision that left Leverkusen struggling for a cutting edge in attack.
Kane, meanwhile, ended a four-match goal drought in emphatic fashion, converting Olise’s early cross to put Bayern ahead. Kovar’s costly handling error gifted Musiala Bayern’s second, and despite the enforced substitution of captain Manuel Neuer—who was replaced by 21-year-old debutant Jonas Urbig—Leverkusen failed to seriously test the hosts’ defence.
Mukiele’s dismissal proved the final nail in Leverkusen’s coffin, and Kane’s composed penalty ensured Bayern will travel for the second leg with a comfortable cushion. However, Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka remained defiant, insisting, “We conceded two very bitter and unnecessary goals, but we need to keep believing right until the end.”
For Bayern and their manager Vincent Kompany, the performance was a statement of intent. Once seen as underdogs in this tie, they have now put themselves firmly in control, edging closer to the Champions League quarter-finals with a performance that reasserted their place among Europe’s elite.
