Normal service has resumed in Germany, and Bayern Munich continue their dominance in the Champions League, reaching the quarter-finals for the sixth consecutive year. If they replicate the ruthless efficiency shown against Bayer Leverkusen, they may edge closer to lifting the trophy on home soil in May.
Bayern never seemed in danger of relinquishing their commanding three-goal lead from the first leg. Harry Kane, whose presence in their squad is no longer seen as a luxury, played a key role once again. His involvement in setting up Alphonso Davies for an emphatic second goal underscored how seamlessly he has integrated into the team’s system. With their squad clicking into place, any speculation of a long-term shift in the Bundesliga’s balance of power now appears misplaced.
Leverkusen, who had spectacularly dethroned Bayern domestically last year, now face a daunting task in challenging them again. While they outplayed Bayern in a league fixture just a month ago, failing to score on that occasion as well, an eight-point gap now looms large. The disparity between the teams has looked vast in recent weeks.
Leverkusen’s hopes suffered a major blow with the absence of Florian Wirtz, whose next Champions League appearance may well be in Bayern’s colors if the club secures his signature. His injury over the weekend all but extinguished hopes of a comeback before the match even began. Without him, Xabi Alonso struggled to find a formula to compensate for his absence.
Bayern now look ahead to a quarter-final tie that could be pivotal in the competition. “We showed what type of team we are,” Kane said, referring to their progression since disappointing group-stage results against Barcelona and Feyenoord. “We pressed high and with intensity. That’s what we wanted to come here and do. It’s never easy when you have a three-goal lead.”
Kane once again played a decisive role, asserting his influence early on. Within the first 15 minutes, he forced saves from Lukas Hradecky on two occasions. Leverkusen, meanwhile, struggled to find composure. Alonso had suggested that a bit of chaos might be necessary to unsettle Bayern, but instead, his side appeared frantic and imprecise. Errant passes, lost footing, and premature movements characterized their play, further compounded by Bayern’s relentless pressing.
Patrick Schick, brought in as a physical presence to compensate for Wirtz’s absence, had Leverkusen’s best first-half opportunity but sent his header wide. Alonso urged his players to remain composed and build their attacks more carefully, but Bayern’s well-drilled structure left little room for errors. Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman both came close to extending Bayern’s lead before halftime.
By the time the second half began, Leverkusen faced an uphill battle. Kane’s 33rd goal of the season, a bizarre moment where a Joshua Kimmich free-kick eluded Schick and Kim Min-jae before landing at his feet, effectively sealed the tie. He calmly controlled the ball and strolled it into the net, removing any lingering doubt about the outcome.
Leverkusen showed fleeting moments of resistance, with Jonas Urbig making saves from Jeremie Frimpong and Schick, but Bayern were already in control. Kane played a key role in the buildup to the second goal, feeding the ball into the right channel for Davies to volley home in style. There was still time for Kane to miss a clear chance and for Jamal Musiala to strike the woodwork twice, but by then, the message had been delivered.
After the match, Vincent Kompany praised his team’s focus and determination. “I think the boys showed again today how hungry they are for what they want to achieve,” he said. “We’ve won now, and I don’t want to get too carried away.” With their sights set firmly on European glory, Bayern’s rivals may have good reason to be wary.
