Goal in injury time: Kane saves Bayern’s victory against Leipzig

Harry Kane saved FC Bayern Munich a home win in the Bundesliga with a goal in stoppage time against RB Leipzig.

With the 2-1 (0-0) score, Bayern retained their minimal chance of winning the championship title; the gap to Bayer Leverkusen is still eight points. Leipzig remains in fifth place. It was a relief for Bayern after the team had lost the last three competitive games against Leverkusen (0:3), Lazio Rome (0:1) and VfL Bochum (2:3). The negative series led to the decision to end the collaboration with coach Thomas Tuchel in the summer.

Neuer: “We screwed up together”

“We all have a responsibility”said Bayern captain Neuer to the Sportschau with a view to the upcoming separation from Tuchel. “Hansi Flick, Julian Nagelsmann, Thomas Tuchel – how many better German coaches do we have? That’s top level. In the end, we as a team are part of it too – we screwed it up together.”

Thomas Tuchel did not want to comment on speculation on the ARD microphone that he had had the choice between an immediate farewell or a separation at the end of the season during the crisis discussion during the week. “I won’t confirm anything from a one-to-one conversation”said Tuchel. Regarding the separation he said: “The decision has been made, we don’t need to question it anymore. A first step has been taken, it’s pointless – we have to step up, step up, step up.”

Leipzig with good chances, but Bayern in the lead

Leipzig goalkeeper Jannis Blaswich prevented Bayern from taking the lead at the start when he parried a shot from Kane (5th minute). Leroy Sané had the opening goal in the 34th minute and was also denied by Blaswich.

After the break, Leipzig had very good chances: Amadou Haïdara was denied by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (53′), and Mohamed Simakan was denied by the left post a few seconds later (53′). Neuer also fended off Xavi Simons’ shot (55′). Bayern took the lead during the guests’ pressure phase: Jamal Musiala released Kane, who moved in from the left and beat Blaswich with a shot into the far corner (56th).

Šeško equalizes, but Kane saves Bayern

But Leipzig remained powerful. Benjamin Šeško appeared free in front of Neuer, who remained the winner (61st). A little later Šeško was in position again – but shot just wide of the goal (64′). Šeško’s third attempt was successful: Schlager crossed from the left, Dani Olmo passed the ball on, Šeško flicked the ball into the goal from a central position (70th) – Leon Goretzka made a decisive deflection.

But Kane was there in stoppage time: After a cross from the left, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting took the ball and passed it to Kane, who hit the right corner with his left (90th + 1).

Bayern in Freiburg, Leipzig against Bochum

Bayern will play at SC Freiburg next matchday on Friday (March 1, 2024, 8:30 p.m.) before the second leg in the Champions League against Lazio Rome (first leg 0-1). Leipzig plays in the Bundesliga on Saturday against VfL Bochum (3:30 p.m.) and then travels to Real Madrid in the Champions League (first leg 0-1).