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Harry Kane's Brace Powers Bayern Munich into Champions League Last 16

Harry Kane's second-half brace, a header and a penalty, propelled Bayern Munich to a 2-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise. The win secured Bayern's early qualification for the Champions League knockout stages despite playing over 30 minutes with ten men after Kim Min-jae's red card. Union SG created few clear chances even with the man advantage, while Bayern remained threatening on the counter-attack. Kane nearly completed a hat-trick but saw a late penalty strike the crossbar.

Key Points: Harry Kane Double Seals Bayern Munich UCL Knockout Spot

  • Kane scores second-half double
  • Bayern qualifies for last 16
  • Kim Min-jae sent off
  • Union SG struggles to capitalize
  • Kane misses late penalty hat-trick
2 min read

Kane's double sends Bayern through in Champions League

Harry Kane scores twice as 10-man Bayern Munich beats Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 to secure early qualification for the Champions League last 16.

"Second half was better... after the break we wanted to show more intensity and I think we did that. - Harry Kane"

Berlin, Jan 22

Harry Kane scored twice in the second half as Bayern Munich beat Royale Union Saint-Gilloise 2-0 to qualify early for the Champions League last 16, despite playing the final half-hour with 10 men.

The win lifted Bayern to second in the Champions League league-phase table and secured a top-eight finish, sealing qualification for the last 16.

Bayern started brightly and nearly took the lead in the second minute when Luis Diaz burst into the area and squared for Kane, but Union goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen intervened. The early tempo soon faded as the Belgian visitors sat in a compact shape and disrupted Bayern through the middle third, reports Xinhua.

Union grew in confidence as the half went on. Kevin Mac Allister sent a free kick wide, while Promise David missed the clearest chance of the first period when he headed straight at goalkeeper Manuel Neuer from close range. Bayern created little, with Raphael Guerreiro glancing a header over from a corner as the sides went in scoreless at halftime.

Bayern returned with more purpose after the break and the breakthrough came from a set piece. Kane headed in from close range after a corner in the 52nd minute, and he doubled the lead three minutes later, converting a penalty after he was brought down by Scherpen.

Bayern's control was tested when Kim Min-jae was sent off in the 63rd minute for a second yellow card.

Union pushed forward but struggled to create clear chances, while Bayern remained dangerous on the counter.

Kane nearly completed a hat trick, but struck the crossbar with a late penalty. Michael Olise also fired over when through on goal.

"Second half was better," said Kane. "The first half was a bit sloppy with the ball, but after the break we wanted to show more intensity and I think we did that. We scored at the right times.

"The red card was a bit unlucky, but overall, I'm happy with the three points and proud of the boys for the way we finished qualification."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Qualifying early is a huge relief. But Bayern's first half performance was quite worrying, no? They looked sloppy against a team they should dominate. The red card could have cost them against a bigger side. They need more consistency.
R
Rohit P
As an Indian football fan, watching these European matches is pure joy. The quality is just on another level. Kane's movement for the first goal was brilliant. Meanwhile, our ISL teams struggle in AFC competitions... we have a long way to go.
M
Michael C
Solid professional performance from Bayern. Managed the game well even with 10 men. That's the sign of a top team. Harry Kane is worth every penny for them.
S
Shreya B
Manuel Neuer is still a wall! That save in the first half was crucial. Experience matters. It's inspiring to see such legends play. I hope our young Indian goalkeepers are watching and learning. 🧤
K
Karthik V
The red card for Kim Min-jae was a bit harsh, no? Second yellow for a tactical foul when the team is 2-0 up. But it shows Bayern's defence can be vulnerable. Other big teams in the last 16 will target that.

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