Forward Harry Kane helped Bayern defeat Galatasaray 2-1, securing their top spot in Group A of the Champions League.
Despite dominating the entire match, Bayern had to wait until the 80th minute to open the scoring. Kane scored twice in the 80th and 86th minutes, ensuring the German representatives maintained a perfect record in the group stage this season with four wins. With 12 points, Bayern is guaranteed to progress as the group leaders, as their group includes Copenhagen, Galatasaray, and Manchester United, who are all trailing by at least eight points.
Kane has scored five goals in the last two games, following his hat-trick in the classic German clash with Dortmund the previous weekend. The two goals from the England national team captain helped Bayern extend two records in the Champions League group stage: the longest unbeaten streak (38 matches) and the longest winning streak (17 games).
Bayern started the match enthusiastically but faced strong resistance from the visiting team. Galatasaray played high-pressing football, making the game open and witnessing numerous opportunities. The first half lacked goals as both goalkeepers, Fernando Muslera and Manuel Neuer, made crucial saves to deny Leroy Sane and Mauro Icardi.
Kane should have opened the scoring in the 53rd minute if his volley had not hit the woodwork. After that opportunity, Bayern conceded a goal, but the sideline referee and VAR came to the home team’s rescue by ruling that Icardi was in an offside position.
Similar to the first leg, Galatasaray’s high-intensity pressing gradually wore them out, and they conceded a late goal. Kane rose highest to head home a free-kick from Joshua Kimmich, opening the scoring. The sideline referee initially flagged an offside by Bayern, but VAR confirmed Kane’s goal.
Former Tottenham forward Kane completed his brace just a minute later, easily slotting the ball into the net from Mathys Tel’s cross during a counter-attack. Kane equaled the club record with four goals in the first four matches in the Champions League, with three coming against Galatasaray.
Kane was not the last goal-scorer in the match. After leading 2-0, Bayern’s defense became complacent and allowed Cedric Bakambu to break through and score a goal with a diagonal shot, assisted by Sergio Oliveira. With a 2-1 defeat, Galatasaray dropped to third place with four points, the same as second-placed Copenhagen, who defeated Manchester United 4-3 in the same round. The Turkish representative still hopes to advance, as their competitors, Copenhagen and Manchester United, both have to face Bayern in the return leg.
