Bayern Munich took a huge step toward the Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 win over Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena. Vincent Kompany’s men delivered a statement performance, ending Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten record against them in emphatic fashion.
Harry Kane set the tone early, heading in Michael Olise’s cross in the ninth minute. The England captain’s ninth headed goal in the competition placed him among the best, with only Robert Lewandowski and Karim Benzema scoring more with their heads since his Champions League debut. Despite some early attacking intent from Leverkusen, Manuel Neuer denied Jeremie Frimpong after a Dayot Upamecano error, keeping Bayern in control.
The game shifted decisively in the second half when Leverkusen’s goalkeeper Matej Kovar fumbled Joshua Kimmich’s cross, gifting Jamal Musiala a simple tap-in. It was Musiala’s 17th goal of the season, already the best tally of his career. Things went from bad to worse for Alonso’s side as Nordi Mukiele received a second yellow card for a foul on Kingsley Coman, leaving Leverkusen with 10 men.
Bayern sealed the victory when Edmond Tapsoba dragged Kane down in the penalty area. After a VAR review, referee Michael Oliver pointed to the spot, and Kane calmly converted to complete his brace. His performance reaffirmed his status as one of Europe’s elite forwards, with his tally of 30+ goals in a season for the seventh time, a feat only surpassed by Lewandowski in Europe’s top leagues since 2014-15.
Leverkusen managed just one shot on target, failing to impose themselves in their biggest test of the season. Alonso’s tactical setup, which relied on an aggressive, fluid attacking structure with Frimpong and Florian Wirtz linking up, was neutralised by Bayern’s disciplined midfield and quick transitions.
This result not only strengthens Bayern’s bid for Champions League glory but also highlights Kompany’s growing reputation as a top coach. His tactical approach, blending Guardiola-inspired full-back movements with rapid counterattacks, proved too much for Leverkusen. With a three-goal cushion heading into the second leg, Bayern are heavy favourites to progress.
For Leverkusen, a near-perfect performance is required to overturn this deficit. But with Bayern’s form and the psychological edge gained from this dominant display, it already feels like game over.
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