Harry Kane’s goals against Bayer Leverkusen ‘probably’ the most important of his Bayern Munich career

MUNICH – Harry Kane said his two goals in the 3-0 Champions League last-16, first-leg win over Bayer Leverkusen on March 5 were “probably” his most important so far for Bayern Munich.

The striker’s ninth-minute header and second-half penalty put Bayern in control of the tie ahead of next week’s return leg at the German champions’ ground, and on track for the quarter-finals.

Jamal Musiala scored the other goal before Leverkusen’s Nordi Mukiele was sent off.

The 31-year-old Kane, who is still searching for a first team trophy in his career, did not win any silverware last season – his first at Bayern – but kept his team’s dream alive of playing in the final in Munich in May.

Asked if the goals were his most important ones for Bayern, the Englishman said: “Probably, I’d say so.

“We knew what it was going to be going into this game. We knew the hype around this game and we stayed calm and I stayed calm. It was nice to score quite early in the game and then to get the second one to top it off – but as always, I look forward to the next one.”

Kane has 75 goals in 79 games in all competitions since joining Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.

Coming into the match, Bayern had never beaten Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, drawing three and losing three.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany shot down suggestions his side’s victory made a statement in the competition.

“There are no statements. Just focus on the next game,” he said.

One grey cloud for the German giants was an injury to captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who had to go off and was replaced by 21-year-old Bayern debutant Jonas Urbig.

Kompany said he was unsure whether Neuer would be available in the coming days, but backed his side’s quality in all positions.

“It’s a pity for us but I’ve spoken before about our squad. When it’s Urbig, then it’s Urbig, and we won’t think about it for a second,” the Belgian told Dazn.

Alonso, meanwhile, lamented his side’s self-inflicted errors and said they would need a “big miracle” to reach the quarter-finals.

“After this game, we’ll need a bit more time and after we recover – in football we’ve seen big miracles quite often and we almost need one,” the Spaniard said. “It’s football, it’s not my first time, and there’s another game at home.”

In other matches, Barcelona edged past Benfica 1-0 in Lisbon thanks to Raphinha’s second-half strike, despite playing most of the game with 10 men.

Teenage defender Pau Cubarsi was sent off midway through the first half for a foul as the last defender, but Barcelona clung on and Raphinha drilled home after 61 minutes to give the five-time European champions a slim advantage.

“I said to the (team), I’m very proud,” said coach Hansi Flick.

“After the 22nd minute with 10 players, it was not easy, and this is a big win.”

Inter Milan, meanwhile, seized control of their tie against Feyenoord as Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez scored in a 2-0 win in Rotterdam. AFP, REUTERS