Kane hits 30-goal mark in style as Bayern, Barca and Inter all take control of ties
HEADS UP: Munich's Harry Kane, right, scores the opening goal during the Champions League round of 16 first leg soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Munich, Germany, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Pic: Tom Weller/dpa via AP)
Harry Kane hit the 30-goal mark for the third-consecutive season thanks to one of the most important finishes of his Bayern Munich career to date.
The English striker rose superbly to power Vincent Kompany's side ahead of Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen and instantly shake off a desperate display against Celtic in the previous round. Kane converted a dangerous ninth-minute delivery from Michael Olise to put the hosts on their way to an 3-0 first-leg lead before travelling northwest for next week's renewal.
Jamal Musiala capitalised on a calamitous mix-up to put Munich further ahead shortly after half-time and Xabi Alonso's side were reduced to 10 when Nordi Mukiele was shown a second yellow after the hour. Their misery was compounded when Kane converted a 75th-minute penalty.
In Lisbon, Barcelona made light of losing a man as they picked up a defiant 1-0 win over Benfica despite Pau Cubarsí being shown red for a last-man challenge after just 22 minutes. In keeping with a spectacular campaign, Brazilian talisman Raphinha arrowed a low long-distance strike on the hour to give Barca the victory.
In Wednesday's early kick-off, Inter Milan took a significant step towards ensuring there will be Serie A representation in the last eight as they took a 2-0 home from their trip Rotterdam, comfortably seeing off Feyenoord.
Marcus Thuram gave Simone Inzaghi's side the lead after the half-hour mark and the last Italian team standing in this year's competition continued to force the issue after the interval. Argentine World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez grabbed a second five minutes into the second half and Inter could even afford the luxury of a missed penalty, Timon Wellenreuther's stop from Piotr Zieliński keeping Robin Van Persie's men somewhat in it ahead of the second leg at the San Siro.
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