Harry Kane sends Bayern Munich past Galatasaray, into Champions League Last 16
Harry Kane's double strike secured Bayern Munich's place in the Champions League knockout stage with a 2-1 win over Galatasaray on Wednesday.
In the 80th minute, Kane found the net with a header from Joshua Kimmich's free-kick, but it was initially flagged offside. After a long VAR check, the goal was given, prompting wild celebrations among Kane and his teammates. However, the festivities were short-lived as another VAR review momentarily halted the jubilation.
"I celebrated the goal three times, so, bit of a strange one," Kane humorously remarked. His second goal, tapped in from close range in the 86th minute after being found by substitute Mathys Tel at the back post, was unmarred by VAR controversy.
Cédric Bakambu scored a consolation goal for Galatasaray in injury time after a long ball forward from Sérgio Oliveira, but it didn't alter the outcome.
Bayern's victory gave them a perfect 12 points from four games in Group A, securing their spot in the knockout stage with two games to spare. In the other group match, Copenhagen defeated Manchester United 4-3, elevating the Danish team to four points, ahead of Galatasaray on goal difference, while United has three points.
Bayern's triumph extended their winning streak in the group stage to 17 games, a competition record. Their 38-game unbeaten run in the group stage is also a record.
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Kane demonstrated his scoring prowess early in the game when he unleashed a powerful shot from around 20 meters, forcing Fernando Muslera to tip the ball over the crossbar. Muslera had his hands full throughout the match, making key saves from Leroy Sané and others.
Bayern's coach, Thomas Tuchel, expressed some frustration with his team's finishing, feeling they were a bit "sloppy" in front of goal. His team's woes were compounded when Jamal Musiala signaled his inability to continue due to a hamstring injury just before half-time. Thomas Müller replaced the young German star.
Bayern's goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, made a crucial save to deny Mauro Icardi before half-time, and Wilfried Zaha missed the opportunity to convert the rebound.
In the second half, Galatasaray intensified the pressure, but they were unable to find an equalizer.
"It took time, it took patience," Kane said. "They created some good chances as well. But overall, I think we deserved to win, and obviously, we're really happy that we qualified."
SportsLigue