In a symphonic display of football mastery, Bayern Munich’s prolific scorer, Harry Kane, orchestrated a crescendo of goals in the dying moments of the match to secure a 2-1 victory over Galatasaray. The triumph not only tasted sweet but also punched Bayern’s ticket to the Champions League knockout stage with two games to spare.
The English captain, who had dazzled with a hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga just days before, etched his name into the Bayern annals by heading in a Joshua Kimmich free kick in the 80th minute. In a breathtaking encore, he tapped in his second just six minutes later, sealing the fate of his team.
Kane, the Bundesliga’s record signing for a whopping 100 million euros ($107.06 million) this season, now boasts an astonishing record of four goals in his first four Champions League appearances for Bayern, matching a club record. His league prowess is equally legendary, with 15 goals in his first 10 Bundesliga matches. Notably, he becomes only the third English player to scale the summit of 25 goals in the Champions League.
Speaking of the evening’s performance, Kane humbly acknowledged, “It was a tough game. The away leg was very similar. I thought we controlled the game better this time. We knew in the second half we just had to keep that momentum.”
Settling into his new Munich abode, Kane commented, “There’s always a lot that goes into the transfer, on and off the field. So of course there’s always a bit more pressure and expectation, but I’ve been delighted with the start, obviously.”
The visitors managed to stage a late rally, and Cédric Bakambu netted a consolation goal in second-half stoppage time.
Bayern’s dominance in Champions League group matches remains unrivaled, stretching their unbeaten streak to 38, with an astounding 17 consecutive victories—both are records in the competition.
At the top of Group A with a commanding 12 points, Bayern is guaranteed a top-two finish with two matches left. FC Copenhagen vaulted into second place with four points, level with Galatasaray, after their pulsating 4-3 victory over Manchester United, who languish at the bottom of the group with three points.
In a first half that resembled a thrilling dance of opportunities, both sides carved moments of brilliance. Galatasaray pressed high, but Bayern’s artful maneuvers consistently untangled them from the pressure.
Bayern’s guardian, Manuel Neuer, showcased his prowess by denying Mauro Icardi’s efforts at the cusp of halftime, following a stellar performance by Galatasaray’s shot-stopper, Fernando Muslera.
Bayern was dealt a blow when Jamal Musiala was forced to exit with a hamstring injury in the first half. Kane, who should have given Bayern the lead, saw his volley at the far post resound off the woodwork in the 53rd minute.
Galatasaray, too, believed they had struck gold shortly after the hour mark, but Icardi’s goal was ruled offside.
In a reflection of their earlier encounter, Galatasaray’s high-octane play gradually waned, paving the way for Bayern to compose their masterpiece.
Kane elevated himself, connecting with Kimmich’s free-kick in the box before embarking on a brilliant move that culminated in his second goal with a simple tap-in in the 86th minute.
Galatasaray clawed back a goal in stoppage time but ran out of moments to find an equalizer, allowing Bayern Munich’s magnum opus to ring true.