Kane's second-half double ensures 10-man Bayern defeat Union Saint-Gilloise | OneFootball

In front of an empty Südkurve, Bayern Munich hosted Union Saint-Gilloise this evening. Vincent Kompany's side battled to a crucial 2-0 victory ensuring they hold onto second place in the Champions League standings. 

Bayern looked threatening in the opening minutes as a Luis Díaz was cut out by Kjell Scherpen at the feet of Harry Kane. Union Saint-Gilloise did well to settle thereafter as their defensive shape held firm. 

Shortly before the 30th-minute mark, the Belgian side had their first real chance of the game. Promise David latched onto a cross from the right, planting his header straight at Manuel Neuer who parried to safety.

Bayern could've taken the lead before the break when Joshua Kimmich's corner sailed to the back post. Raphaël Guerreiro ultimately steered wide as Kane cut a frustrated figure wishing his teammate had let the ball run to him.

The second-half instantly offered more life than the first as the Bavarians came forward in waves. A breakthrough was achieved in simple fashion when Michael Olise's corner on 52 minutes was headed home by Kane. 

Fortune favoured the English marksman just three minutes later when the 32-year-old was cut down by Scherpen in the box. Slovenian arbiter Rade Obrenovic awarded a penalty from which Kane doubled his tally with ease.

Bayern went down to 10-men, offering a lifeline to Union Saint-Gilloise as Kim Min-Jae picked up a harsh second yellow card for a pull back on Florucz. Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito came on to plug the defensive gap.

However, Bayern's game management came to the fore, controlling possession expertly. Kane's hat-trick could've followed when Van de Perre's handball resulted in a second penalty from which he struck the crossbar. 

The final 10 minutes passed by with few talking points other than a gilt-edged miss from Olise close to the target. Regardless, Bayern cruised to their 250th-victory in Europe's premier competition and with it three vital points.