Bayern Munich took a huge step toward the Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 win over 10-man Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena. A Harry Kane brace and Jamal Musiala’s opportunistic strike gave Bayern their first victory over Xabi Alonso’s side and put them in control of the tie ahead of next week's second leg.
Bayern started brightly and took the lead inside nine minutes when Michael Olise delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, allowing Kane to head home his 33rd goal of the season. Leverkusen struggled to respond, and their troubles deepened early in the second half. Goalkeeper Matej Kovar, standing in for the usual No. 1 Lukas Hradecky, failed to collect a looping Joshua Kimmich cross, allowing Musiala to pounce and double Bayern’s lead.
The visitors' night went from bad to worse in the 62nd minute when Nordi Mukiele received his second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Kingsley Coman. Down to 10 men, Leverkusen found themselves under even more pressure, and Bayern soon capitalized. Substitute Edmond Tapsoba, trying to contain Kane in the box, was penalized after a VAR review for holding the England captain. Kane stepped up and converted his 30th consecutive penalty, sealing the win.
With the victory, Bayern ended their six-match winless streak against Leverkusen under Alonso. Kane's two goals took his season tally past 30 for the seventh time in his career, a feat only bettered by Robert Lewandowski in Europe's top five leagues since 2014-15. His 48 Champions League goal contributions leave him just four shy of David Beckham’s record for an English player in the competition.
Bayern will now travel to Leverkusen with a strong advantage, knowing the winner of the tie will face either Feyenoord or Inter Milan in the last eight.
