Bayern Munich 2-1 RB Leipzig: Harry Kane strikes twice as champions leave it late to claim win in boost to title hopes
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Updated 24/02/2024 at 20:12 GMT
Harry Kane struck a stoppage-time winner as Bayern Munich overcame RB Leipzig in a boost to their Bundesliga title hopes. Kane had made the breakthrough in the 56th minute before Benjamin Sesko levelled 14 minutes later. But just when it looked like being another frustrating day for Bayern, Kane popped up with a dramatic late goal to ensure Thomas Tuchel's side maximum points.
Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at the Allianz Arena.
Image credit: Getty Images
In the first fixture after it was announced that Thomas Tuchel would leave the club at the end of the season Bayern Munich secure a crucial 2-1 win over RB Leipzig thanks to Harry Kane brace.
The England captain’s late strike snatched all three points for the Bavarian giants cutting the deficit to table topping Leverkusen to eight points. Meanwhile, Leipzig remain in fifth just one point off the UEFA Champions League places.
The hosts had the better of a largely timid first half with Kane hitting the post from a header while Leroy Sane squandered a golden chance as he attempted to round the goalkeeper. Leipzig defended well throughout the first period but offered little threat to Manuel Neuer's goal.
However, the second half was a much different affair as Leipzig looked the better side and threatened to take the lead on multiple occasions. Yet, it was Kane who broke the deadlock with a typical close range instinctive finish.
Leipzig were not done though and continued to pile the pressure on and the eventually got their reward with a heavily deflected equaliser from Benajmin Sesko. Just as hope seemed lost for the hosts Kane stepped up again to snatch the game from Leipzig with a crisp half volley into the bottom.
The winner took his tally to 27 in the Bundesliga this season and gives Bayern Munich an improbable but not impossible mountain to climb in this title race.
Talking Point – They think it’s all over?
In the build-up Tuchel insisted he was committed to bringing maximum success during his remaining time at Bayern and Kane’s dramatic late winner has kept that slim possibility alive. With 11 left to play Bayern have an eight-point deficit to overhaul.
It would be unprecedented and highly improbable achievement but not one beyond a side who have won the last 11 league titles and have a truly world class forward in Harry Kane.
Player of the Match – Kane (Bayern Munich)
A few could’ve taken this prize, but his stoppage time winner just snatches it for the Englishman. Kane’s brace took him to 27 for the season in just 23 Bundesliga games and keeps his slim chances at a first title alive.
His performance all round was fantastic, and he was clinical when it mattered. If not for the post and an unusually poor header he could’ve easily gone away with the match ball.
Player Ratings
Bayern Munich – Neuer 7, Kimmich 6, De Ligt 6, Dier 7, Guerreiro 7, Pavlovic 7, Goretzka 6, Sane 4, Muller 5, Musiala 8, Kane 9. Subs: Liamer 5, Tel 6, Kim 5, Chupo-Moting 6.
RB Leipzig –Blaswich 7, Henrichs 6, Simakan 7, Orban 6, Raum 6, Olmo 5, Haidara 6, Schlager 6, Simons 8, Sesko 7, Openda 7. Subs: Poulsen 5, Kampl 6, Elmas 5, Lukeba 5, Baumgartner 5.
Match Highlights
56’ GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 1-0 RB LEIPZIG (KANE) - Who else but Harry? Bayern Munich’s star man this season adds another goal with a typically fantastic finish into the bottom corner from around six yards out.
70’ GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 1-1 RB LEIPZIG (SESKO) - Leipzig are level! Finally one goes in for Sesko. He's - lucky with the deflection this time as his side footed shot bounces off Goretzka and wrongfoots Neuer.
90+1’ GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 2-1 RB LEIPZIG (KANE) - HARRY KANE IS THE HERO! A great finish from the England captain who out of nothing directs a half volley into the far corner! A huge goal in the title race
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