Bayern vs Leverkusen 3-0: Kane double leads Munich to advantage in UCL

Bayern Munich took a commanding step toward the Champions League quarter-finals as a Harry Kane brace secured a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen, who played the final half-hour with 10 men.

Kane opened the scoring inside nine minutes, nodding home a precise Michael Olise cross before Jamal Musiala capitalised on a goalkeeping error to double Bayern’s lead. Leverkusen’s hopes faded further when Nordi Mukiele saw red for a reckless challenge, and Kane sealed the win from the penalty spot, marking his 31st goal of the season.

The visitors nearly found a response when Jeremie Frimpong intercepted a poor backpass from Dayot Upamecano, but Manuel Neuer’s reflexes kept Bayern in control. Leverkusen’s frustration mounted as Musiala struck the crossbar before halftime.

A second goal arrived after the break when goalkeeper Matej Kovar fumbled a Joshua Kimmich cross, allowing Musiala to poke home. Mukiele’s dismissal for a late challenge on Kingsley Coman left Leverkusen further exposed, and substitute Edmond Tapsoba’s foul on Kane led to a VAR-awarded penalty, which the England striker converted with ease.

Kane, now with nine goals in this season’s Champions League, equaled Dennis Viollet’s record for an English player in a single European Cup campaign. His overall tally since joining Bayern stands at 75—more than any player in Europe’s top five leagues.

Hence, it was no surprise that Kane was named Player of the Match.

"This is the Champions League, this is the biggest game of all," Kane told TNT Sports. "We’re here to send a message not just to everyone but to ourselves."

Leverkusen, who had previously avoided defeat against Bayern this season, suffered a night to forget. Xabi Alonso’s decision to leave Patrik Schick and Victor Boniface on the bench proved costly, with the team lacking a focal point in attack. Kovar’s error and Mukiele’s lapses further compounded their misery.

Leverkusen boss Alonso admitted, "A lot went against us today, but that was our own fault. We didn't have good control and made big mistakes."

Bayern substitute João Palhinha nearly added a fourth late on, but the Bundesliga leaders already have one foot in the quarter-finals. The second leg at BayArena is set for 11 March, where Leverkusen will need a remarkable turnaround to stay in the competition.