Union St. Gilloise caused problems for the record champions for a half – but FC Bayern Munich could then, as so often, rely on Harry Kane in the Champions League. The striker scored both goals in the 2-0 (0-0) game, first with a header (52nd minute), then with a penalty (55th), which he took himself. Bayern are now guaranteed a place in the round of 16.
“We weren’t good with the ball, we wanted to show more intensity in the second half and that’s what we did. The three points are good, it was an important win for us.”said Kane on “DAZN” and was happy about the immediate advancement: “That was different last year, which is why we had an even fuller schedule.” Now Bayern are saving themselves the two extra games in the playoffs.
“The first half was one of the slower ones we’ve played this season. After that we saw FC Bayern again, which we’ve seen all season. We’re just happy that we’re definitely over the line.”said sports director Max Eberl. “We want to stay second now, that’s an honorable goal. We’re very happy that we can concentrate on that now.”
St. Gilloise with a strong start, Neuer saves again
Before the game, coach Vincent Kompany had warned about the Belgian opponents. It’s nothing unusual for coaches to warn against even seemingly small opponents, but in this case it became clear in the first round that the words of praise for St. Gilloise were appropriate. “It’s a club that knows the underdog role. This is not an easy opponent, they do a very good job and have super talented players”the Bayern coach said before the game.
And the guests from Belgium followed their compatriot’s words with actions. Although Kane had a good chance in the second minute when goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen was already right in front of him and he couldn’t get past from close range, Bayern didn’t get much done after that. St. Gilloise had the better combinations in the first half – and the better chances.
The first came after a half-court cross, after which Kevin Mac Allister was no longer able to control the ball well enough with his tackle (20th). The second was a mirror image of this action, only the cross came from the other side, this time to Promise David. The striker got a free header, but Manuel Neuer did an excellent job of blocking it (29′). As with his top performance at RB Leipzig (5:1), the keeper saved his team.
Kane is upset about Guerreiro
That continued to be very difficult, but there was also a top-class moment just before the break when Raphael Guerreiro’s header narrowly missed the corner of the Union goal after a corner (40′). Kane, who stood directly behind him ready to take a shot, had little understanding for the action and left the penalty area shaking his head after his teammate’s failed attempt.
Despite this action, it was one of Munich’s weaker halves this season. It is possible that the fact that the south curve had to remain empty in this game also played a role. UEFA had punished the club – and the fans – for several pyrotechnics offenses. Many of the spectators who normally stand behind the goal in the lower tier were there and created some atmosphere in the upper tier, but there was less going on than usual.
Bayern double pack within four minutes
During this time as a player, despite all their dominance, Bayern also had one or two games with phases in which not much was going – but then it paid off that offensive set pieces also became a great strength. Also against St. Gilloise. Another corner hit the first post, this time Guerreiro wasn’t there and so Kane was able to nod into the near corner (52′).
From that moment on, Bayern showed their class again and the differences in quality that existed despite Kompany’s warnings became clear. Shortly after his opening goal, Kane was free in front of Scherpen after a pass, went past him and was laid down by the goalkeeper, resulting in a penalty. And his career has been practically set in stone for several years – Kane stepped up and scored easily (56th). Suddenly Bayern were comfortably leading 2-0.
Unbelievable but true – Kane misses a penalty
And it was actually already clear that the German record champions had already qualified for the round of 16 that evening and would no longer be able to be pushed out of the top eight of the group phase. The only question was whether it would perhaps even be enough for the top four, which brings with it the supposed advantage of a second leg in their own stadium in the round of 16 and quarter-finals. Then the south curve would be fully occupied again.
Bayern were not in trouble when Min-jae Kim was sent off with a yellow-red card after repeated foul play (63′). However, the Kompany team took this incident as an opportunity to finally switch to management mode, let the ball run and only go on the offensive when it was appropriate. An opportunity arose when Kane was allowed to take the penalty again after a handball from Kamiel Van De Perre – and as unbelievable as it sounds: he didn’t score, his shot hit the crossbar (81′).
It was actually Kane’s second missed penalty of the season, the second time it happened on a second attempt within a game. In the first round of the DFB Cup at SV Wehen Wiesbaden (3:2), Florian Stritzel won the second duel against Kane.
Chance of winning the group is only theoretical
However, that didn’t change anything about Munich’s victory, which should have been even bigger because Michael Olise also missed a hundred percent (84′). With 18 points, Bayern are second in the group phase of the Champions League and the only team that could theoretically overtake league leaders FC Arsenal. This would require a win at the end on Wednesday at PSV Eindhoven (9 p.m.), but also a very unlikely defeat in London against bottom team FK Kairat.
However, at least one point win could still be important because it would secure second place, which would extend the home advantage in the second leg to the semi-finals. Bayern have that for the previous two knockout rounds. Due to the results of the competition, the Kompany team, which will continue in the Bundesliga against FC Augsburg on Saturday (3:30 p.m.), can only slip to fourth place in the worst case scenario.
