UCL: Harry Kane double fires Bayern to 3-0 victory over 10-Man Leverkusen

Harry Kane netted a brace, including his 30th consecutive successful penalty, as Bayern Munich secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in their Champions League last-16 first leg on Wednesday.

The Bundesliga champions, who had failed to beat Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen in six previous encounters, delivered a commanding performance at the Allianz Arena, overwhelming their German rivals from start to finish.

Kane Breaks Goal Drought as Bayern Dominate

Bayern took an early lead in the 9th minute when Michael Olise whipped in a pinpoint cross, allowing Kane to head home and break his four-game goal drought.

Leverkusen, playing without a recognized striker as Alonso opted to bench Patrik Schick, struggled to mount any real offensive threat. Their troubles worsened when goalkeeper Matej Kovar—standing in for captain Lukas Hradecky—committed a costly error early in the second half.

Kovar failed to claim a Joshua Kimmich chip, dropping the ball into the path of Jamal Musiala, who tapped in Bayern’s second goal in the 54th minute.

Leverkusen Collapse as Kane Seals Victory

Leverkusen’s night went from bad to worse in the 62nd minute when Nordi Mukiele was shown a second yellow card for a rash challenge on Alphonso Davies, reducing the visitors to 10 men.

Substitute Edmond Tapsoba then fouled Kane in the penalty area, and after a VAR review, referee Michael Oliver awarded a penalty. Kane calmly converted from the spot, maintaining his flawless penalty record since missing against France in the 2022 World Cup.

Bayern in Control Ahead of Second Leg

Despite losing veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to injury in the second half, Bayern comfortably saw out the match, with 21-year-old debutant Jonas Urbig untested by a lackluster Leverkusen attack.

The win puts Vincent Kompany’s Bayern in a strong position ahead of the return leg, as they aim to progress to the quarter-finals and continue their bid for Champions League glory on home soil in Munich.