Harry Kane played the role of saviour for a lethargic Bayern Munich, dragging them to a 2-0 Champions League win over Union Saint Gilloise with a two goal performance that earned him UEFA’s official Player of the Match award.
On a night where the German giants were alarmingly off the pace sluggish in possession and vulnerable at the back, the England captain provided the decisive touch. He broke the deadlock with a powerful header from a Michael Olise corner in the 52nd minute, before calmly slotting home a penalty just sixty seconds later to give his side breathing space.
“It wasn’t our best performance, we know that,” Kane admitted afterwards, holding the match ball. “Sometimes you have to grind it out, find a way. The team kept going and I was there to put the chances away.”
His stats underscored a typically efficient, all action display. He completed 74% of his passes, won the majority of his duels, and crucially, lost possession only seven times in a match where Bayern’s play was often ragged. He even uncharacteristically smacked a second penalty against the bar late on, a rare blemish on a night he otherwise dominated.
The award highlights Kane’s enduring importance in a Bayern side that, despite their domestic dominance, can sometimes labour without his clinical edge. On an evening where younger stars like Lennart Karl failed to ignite and the defence looked shaky, the 31 year old’s experience and ruthless finishing proved the difference between a nervy win and a potential disaster.
The victory secures Bayern’s progression, but the performance will raise questions. For now, though, they can thank their talisman for papering over the cracks. As the knockout stages loom, they’ll need more than just Kane to fire if they’re to reclaim European football’s biggest prize.
