Bayern Munich secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in their UEFA Champions League round of 16 first-leg clash, taking a huge step toward the quarter-finals. Harry Kane played a starring role with two goals, ending his five-match goal drought, while Jamal Musiala also found the net. The win marked Bayern’s first triumph over Xabi Alonso’s side since he took charge of Leverkusen, setting up a challenging second leg for Die Werkself.
Bayern Start Strong as Kane Ends Goal Drought
Bayern wasted no time in asserting their dominance, taking the lead inside nine minutes. Michael Olise delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, and Kane showed his predatory instincts by darting ahead of Nordi Mukiele to head the ball past Matej Kovar. The early goal was a much-needed confidence booster for the English striker, who had gone five games without finding the net.
Olise ➡️ Kane
— – (@MusialaEra) March 5, 2025
Leverkusen attempted to respond quickly, and Dayot Upamecano nearly gifted them an equalizer with a misplaced pass that allowed Jeremie Frimpong to go one-on-one with Manuel Neuer. However, the veteran goalkeeper stood tall to deny Frimpong, keeping Bayern’s lead intact.
Bayern’s Onslaught and Leverkusen’s Missed Opportunities
The missed opportunity seemed to deflate Leverkusen, as Bayern launched wave after wave of attacks. Jamal Musiala came agonizingly close to doubling the lead but hit the crossbar from point-blank range. Meanwhile, long-range efforts from Kingsley Coman and Joshua Kimmich forced Kovar into frantic defensive actions, though neither shot found the target.
Despite Bayern’s dominance, the first half ended with just a single goal separating the teams. However, tempers flared just before halftime, with Granit Xhaka and Kane getting into a heated exchange, adding extra intensity to an already fiery encounter.
Second-Half Domination: Musiala and Kane Extend Bayern’s Lead
Leverkusen’s luck ran out early in the second half. A floated ball from Kimmich seemed destined for Kovar’s gloves, but the Leverkusen goalkeeper misjudged the flight and dropped the ball at the feet of Musiala. The young midfielder made no mistake, slotting it home with ease to double Bayern’s advantage in the 54th minute.
As Leverkusen struggled to mount a response, things went from bad to worse. Mukiele, already on a yellow card, made a reckless challenge on Coman, stepping on his heel and earning himself a second booking. Reduced to ten men, Leverkusen found themselves under even greater pressure.
Kane Seals the Victory with a Clinical Penalty
With Bayern pushing for a third, Leverkusen’s defense began to crumble. In the 72nd minute, Edmond Tapsoba dragged Kane to the ground inside the box, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the penalty spot. The England captain stepped up confidently and sent Kovar the wrong way, firing his shot into the top-right corner to make it 3-0.
Harry Kane pic.twitter.com/sBTZrY7uUy
— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) March 5, 2025
The goal marked Kane’s 17th Champions League strike since joining Bayern, more than any other player in that timeframe. His incredible form in front of goal continues to prove why the Bavarians made him their marquee signing.
Leverkusen Face an Uphill Battle in Second Leg
With a three-goal deficit and a numerical disadvantage for the closing minutes, Leverkusen had no choice but to sit back and minimize further damage. They managed to prevent Bayern from adding a fourth, but the result leaves them with a massive task in the return leg.
Xabi Alonso’s men will need to replicate their famous 3-0 home win against Bayern from last season if they hope to stay alive in the competition. However, overcoming a side that is now unbeaten in ten consecutive matches will be no easy feat.
Key Takeaways from the Match
- Kane back to scoring ways: The English striker ended his five-game drought in emphatic fashion, scoring twice to put Bayern in firm control of the tie.
- Musiala’s brilliance: The young midfielder was instrumental, not only scoring a goal but also dictating the pace of the game.
- Leverkusen’s costly mistakes: Defensive lapses, poor decision-making, and Mukiele’s red card all played a role in their downfall.
- Bayern’s Champions League dominance: The Bavarians have now put themselves in a commanding position to reach the quarter-finals.
With the second leg looming, Bayern Munich have one foot in the next round, while Leverkusen must produce a near-miracle to overturn the deficit. The return leg promises to be another intense battle, but Bayern’s experience and quality might prove too much for their German rivals.
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