Bayern through to Champions League last 16 | OneFootball

Harry Kane double fires Bayern Munich into UEFA Champions League last 16

Harry Kane scored twice and missed a penalty as 10-man Bayern Munich beat Union Saint-Gilloise to secure their spot in the knockout phase with a game to spare, despite having Minjae Kim sent off.

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Bayern 2-0 Union Saint-GilloiseGoals: 1-0 Kane 52’ (assist: Olise), 2-0 Kane 55’ (pen.)Sent off: Kim 63'Missed pen: Kane 80'

Bayern welcomed Belgian side Union SG to the Allianz Arena knowing that victory could secure their place in the Champions League round of 16. 

Vincent Kompany's side came into the match in confident mood following their emphatic 5-1 weekend victory over RB Leipzig, with the German champions sitting second in the Champions League league phase after six matches with 15 points. 

Their Belgian opponents, meanwhile, were languishing in 27th place and desperately needed points to keep alive their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds via the play-offs.

Vincent Kompany has seen his Bayern side lose just once in all competitions this season. (Adam Pretty)

Union threaten as first half ends goalless

Despite being heavy favourites, Bayern struggled to assert their dominance in a surprisingly even first half. Kane had an early opportunity after a cross from Michael Olise, but Union goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen was quick off his line to punch clear. Tom Bischof fired over from the rebound. As the half progressed, the visitors grew in confidence and created the better chances.

Kevin Mac Allister went close from a free-kick in the 20th minute, before Promise David forced a fine save from Manuel Neuer with a close-range header. Bayern's best opportunity fell to Raphaël Guerreiro, who couldn't keep his header down from Joshua Kimmich's inviting corner.

Manuel Neuer kept Union's Promise David at bay in the first half. (Adam Pretty)

Kane double puts Bayern in control

Bayern emerged from the interval with renewed purpose and soon took control of the match. The breakthrough came in the 52nd minute when Olise delivered a perfect corner to the near post, where Kane had ghosted away from his marker to head home emphatically.

Just three minutes later, Kane doubled Bayern's advantage from the penalty spot after being brought down by Scherpen when racing through on goal. The English striker made no mistake, firing his spot-kick past the goalkeeper despite him diving the right way.

Kane rises highest to power home a header from Michael Olise's corner. (Adam Pretty)

Ten-man Bayern remain in control

The hosts suffered a setback in the 63rd minute when Kim received his second yellow card for tugging back Raul Florucz, having been booked earlier in the 18th minute. Kompany reacted quickly by introducing Alphonso Davies and Hiroki Ito to shore up the defence, with Union also making a triple change.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Bayern maintained control of proceedings, limiting the visitors to speculative efforts while still threatening on the counter-attack. Kane nearly completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute after another penalty was awarded following a VAR check for handball, but his powerful strike crashed against the crossbar.

Bayern secure qualification

Even with a man advantage for the final half-hour, Union struggled to create meaningful chances against a disciplined Bayern defence. The hosts remained dangerous, with Olise missing a golden opportunity after Luis Díaz set him up perfectly.

Bayern confidently saw out the remaining minutes, even introducing Serge Gnabry and Leon Goretzka in stoppage time to maintain fresh legs. The final whistle confirmed not only Bayern's victory, but also their qualification for the Champions League round of 16, moving them into second place in the league phase table behind only Arsenal, with a trip to PSV Eindhoven to come.

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