Claiming Bundesliga bragging rights and storming their way to a first-leg advantage, Bayern Munich opened their Champions League Round of 16 campaign with a 3-0 romp against Bayer Leverkusen.
Vincent Kompany’s side got off to a dream start at the Allianz as England skipper Harry Kane headed home following a wonderful delivery from ex-Crystal Palace ace Michael Olise after just nine minutes.
Dominating on either side of the half-time break and with Leverkusen drastically failing to find any kind of fluidity, Bayern deservedly doubled their lead after the interval as Jamal Musiala notched a third Champions League goal of the season.
With their backs against the wall from the opening whistle, things got even worse for the reigning Bundesliga champions as PSG loanee Nordi Mukiele was shown a second yellow card just after the hour mark.
In what was a real night to remember for Bayern, Kane topped off a devastating display as the former Spurs star converted from the penalty spot in the 75th-minute.
With a quarter-final showdown against Feyenoord or Inter Milan now within touching distance, the German rivals will meet for their second-leg contest at the BayArena next week.
On a night when Bayern laid down a real marker at the Allianz, we have taken a look at the main talking points from Wednesday’s first-leg showdown.
A night to remember for Bayern
While some around the Allianz might have been shocked last summer following Kompany’s arrival, the German giants have embarked on a real rise under the guidance of the former Burnley boss.
Currently holding a commanding eight-point buffer at the top of the Bundesliga table and sat firmly in the driving seat to recapture their domestic crown in 2025, Wednesday’s hosts could have their sights set on a famous silverware sweep over the next couple of months.
Breezing past their domestic rivals here and laying down what was a major statement of intent, Bayern’s rampant performance on Wednesday night would have certainly been noted from across the continent.
Picking up some perfect momentum last weekend as they clinched a 3-1 win away at Stuttgart, Kompany’s squad are really hitting top gear a crucial time of the season.
Travelling to the BayArena next week with a dominant three-goal advantage, Bayern will already have one eye on what would be a blockbuster quarter-final showdown against Italian heavyweights Inter Milan.
Who else but Kane?
With Bayern knowing the importance of claiming an essential first-leg advantage on Wednesday night, it was unsurprisingly their attacking talisman who stole all of the headlines.
Only continuing to shatter a string of long-standing records since arriving from Tottenham in the summer of 2023, the England skipper has only further cemented his spot as one of world football’s most lethal marksmen.
Bagging yet another Champions League brace here and running rampant at the Allianz, Kane drew a line under his minor four-match drought with a devastating display here.
With the 31-year-old desperately seeking what would be a first piece of silverware this season, Kane has now notched nine goals in his 10 Champions League appearances this year.
With many now starting to look at Kompany’s side as a genuine European candidate, Bayern’s latest poster boy will certainly have a leading role to play.
Leverkusen’s dreams hanging by a thread
Claiming a 1-0 victory when they travelled to the Allianz for a DFP Pokal tie back on December 3rd, Bayer Leverkusen were desperately seeking another gritty performance in Munich.
However, despite enjoying a real group stage romp this season as they snatched a top-eight finish, Xabi Alonso’s men came crashing back down to earth in a worrying fashion on Wednesday night.
Seeking what would be a European miracle when they return to the BayArena next week, it is fair to say that Leverkusen were completely dominated across the park and Alonso will be rightfully concerned by a lacklustre display under the bright lights.
While the former Liverpool midfielder might have guided Leverkusen to a maiden Bundesliga crown last season as Wednesday’s guests enjoyed a remarkable rise to superstardom, they have failed to replicate that dominance this time around.
Although Alonso’s side might be cruising their way to a silver medal finish this season, a thumping European exit at the hands of their bitter rivals will leave a nasty taste in their mouth.
Match Report
Bayern Munich: Neuer, Laimer, Upamecano, Kim, Davies, Kimmich, Goretzka, Olise, Musiala, Coman, Kane
Subs: Urbig, Sane, Stanisic, Dier, Palhinha
Bayer Leverkusen: Kovar, Hermoso, Tah, Hincapie, Grimaldo, Mukiele, Palacios, Xhaka, Wirtz, Frimpong, Adil
Subs: Tapsoba, Arthur, Schick, Garcia, Buendia
Goals: Kane (9’, 75’ P), Musiala (54’)
Yellow Cards: Bayern Munich: Goretka, Laimer – Bayer Leverkusen: Mukiele, Tah, Tapsoba
Red Cards: Mukiele (62’)
Referee: Michael Oliver
