Bayern Munich took a major step toward the Champions League quarter-finals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at Allianz Arena.
Harry Kane struck twice, and Jamal Musiala took advantage of a goalkeeping blunder as Bayern overpowered their Bundesliga rivals, who were reduced to 10 men.
Xabi Alonso’s side, leading the domestic title race, struggled to cope with Bayern’s intensity and now face an uphill battle in the second leg.
The hosts wasted no time asserting dominance, with Kane nodding in a Michael Olise cross just nine minutes in.
Early in the second half, Leverkusen’s Matej Kovar fumbled a Joshua Kimmich delivery, gifting Musiala an easy finish from close range.
Leverkusen’s night worsened when Nordi Mukiele was sent off after picking up a second yellow for a foul on Kingsley Coman. Kane then piled on the misery, converting a penalty after a VAR review confirmed Edmond Tapsoba had held him back.
This victory marks Bayern’s first over Alonso’s Leverkusen, putting them in a strong position ahead of next week’s return leg. The winner of the tie will meet either Feyenoord or Inter in the last eight.
Kane’s brace continues his prolific form, as he has now netted 30 or more goals in a season for the seventh time in his club career.
Since his first 30-goal campaign in 2014-15, only Robert Lewandowski (nine) has managed more in Europe’s top five leagues.
With 48 goal contributions in the Champions League, Kane is closing in on David Beckham’s record (52) for the most by an English player in the competition.
