Later double pack: Kane redeems FC Bayern against Galatasaray – round of 16 ticket booked

Real and Inter also through

During Manuel Neuer’s flawless Champions League comeback, double packer Harry Kane sent FC Bayern Munich into the round of 16 early. After hitting the post shortly after half-time, the top scorer made it 2-1 (0-0) against Galatasaray on Wednesday with his two late goals in the 80th and 86th minutes, making it their fourth win in the fourth Group game of course. Cédric Bakambu’s connecting goal came too late (90+3).

In a heated atmosphere with many Turkish supporters, the sold-out Allianz Arena briefly boiled over in the 62nd minute when the visitors appeared to be leading 1-0 after an offside goal by Lucas Torreira. But the video evidence helped Bayern both in this scene and with Kane’s first goal, in which the referee team initially ruled it offside.

For the first time in more than 13 months, captain Neuer led Munich back into the arena for a Champions League game. The atmosphere, however, was rather unusual for Bayern. “It will be an away game,” said coach Thomas Tuchel shortly before kick-off, looking at the many Turkish fans in the stands.

As announced, Tuchel ordered Joshua Kimmich, who was last suspended in the 4-0 win in Dortmund, back into the starting line-up. The national player formed a duo with Leon Goretzka in midfield instead of Konrad Laimer, looked very present and was a good distributor of the ball.

In a fast-paced start, the hosts only gradually gained control of the game. As with the 3-1 defeat in the first leg, the team from Istanbul tried to make early attacks in the Munich half. But the first big chance went to Leroy Sané, who was denied by Galatasaray keeper Fernando Muslera when he was free in front of the goal (14′).

Bayern now clearly had more of the game and had more chances. Jamal Musiala’s shot went just wide (28′), shortly afterwards Sané found his master again in Muslera. The 37-year-old captain of the Turkish champions was fit in time after an elbow injury and was an important source of support for his now shaky team.

Shortly before the break, the home team had to digest the next worry in this first half of the season, which was characterized by personnel problems in the narrow squad. Musiala sank down in the penalty area after a pass from Kane, grabbed his left leg and was unable to continue. Thomas Müller came into the game (40th).

The people of Munich had to reorganize themselves, but the guests promptly regained their courage. With Mauro Icardi’s great opportunity from close range, Neuer, who had hardly been challenged until then, showed his full class and prevented a deficit (43′).

Bayern’s proliferation of chances continued after the break when Kane hit the post (53′). But Galatasaray, now better offensively, remained dangerous, only a narrow offside position by Icardi prevented them from taking the lead (62′). Annoyed by the guests’ lack of shooting luck and bite, the Munich team lost the sovereignty and determination of the first half. But after a free kick from Kimmich, Kane once again saved Bayern with a header – and shortly afterwards, after a counterattack, he also made the preliminary decision. Müller’s bad pass before Bakambu’s goal only caused tension for a short time.

Real and Inter in the round of 16 of the Champions League

Real Madrid and Inter Milan have reached the knockout phase of the Champions League early, Arsenal FC has taken a big step towards it. Real beat SC Braga 3-0 (1-0) and got their fourth win in their fourth game. Inter made everything clear with the late 1-0 (0-0) win at Red Bull Salzburg. Arsenal, with Kai Havertz in the starting line-up, defeated RC Lens 2-0 (1-0) and remains the confident leader of Group B.

Brahim Díaz (27th minute), Vinicius Junior (58th) and Rodrygo (61st) ensured a relaxed evening for Real, who comfortably lead Group C with twelve points from four games. Last year’s finalists Inter can also plan for the next round thanks to striker Lautaro Martínez. The Argentine world champion scored the decisive goal with a penalty in the 86th minute in Salzburg, which now has no chance of reaching the knockout phase.

Arsenal are on course towards the round of 16 thanks to their comfortable win against Lens. Leandro Trossard (29th) and Bukayo Saka (64th) scored the goals for coach Mikel Arteta’s team.

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