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Harry Kane thinks that Bayern Munich’s win against Lazio in the Champions League round of 16 could have a significant impact on their season. This is especially true as the England team leader himself scored two goals, contributing to their chances of winning a title this year.
After losing 1-0 to Lazio in the first leg in Italy, Bayern was behind, but they were able to turn the match around at home with goals from English captain Harry Kane and Thomas Muller, both of which were scored with headers before halftime.
Kane scored a second goal of the night, making it his 33rd for Bayern in 33 games this season. This secured a spot for Thomas Tuchel’s team in the quarter-finals, which will be drawn next Friday.
Bayern has only won one of their last five matches in all competitions and they are currently behind Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen by 10 points. They were also eliminated from the German Cup earlier this season.
“The evening was ideal for us. It was a crucial game,” Kane informed CBS Sports. “We were losing 1-0 in the previous match. This was a significant moment in our season. Our performance was top-notch.”
“We are well aware that we need to make improvements, but performances like this can greatly impact the season. I am genuinely proud of the team, and we must maintain this positive momentum.”
This season, Kane has scored the most goals in the Champions League, tied with Kylian Mbappe at six, and has also scored 27 goals in the Bundesliga. His two goals against Lazio were possibly his most crucial ones for the team.
After falling behind, Lazio struggled to make an impact and missed a crucial chance to score just before Kane’s goal, with Ciro Immobile sending his close-range header wide.
Kane broke a five-year drought and scored his first goal in the Champions League knockout stage with a diving header. Muller then increased the lead with a goal from a volley by Matthijs de Ligt just before half-time.
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur attacker ended Lazio’s chances of coming back in the 68th minute by scoring from the rebound after Leroy Sane’s shot was deflected towards him.
Kane netted his 33rd goal of the season on the deflection.
Kane currently holds a record of 27 goals in the Champions League, second only to Wayne Rooney’s 30 goals among English players. He also surpasses all other English players with a total of 51 goals in UEFA competitions, including the Europa League.
Bayern secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Champions League for the 12th time in 13 seasons. Paris Saint-Germain also advanced after a 4-1 total victory over Real Sociedad, thanks to two goals from Mbappe.
After securing a 2-0 advantage in the initial round, PSG remained at ease. Mbappe, who has the most goals in Europe’s leading five leagues this season, showed his potential in the fifth minute by narrowly missing a shot from Fabian Ruiz’s pass.
The team PSG was in control and scored the first goal after 15 minutes courtesy of Mbappe’s fifth goal in the Champions League this season. He expertly curved the ball into the far corner of the net.
Mbappe and Kane are currently tied at six goals each in the Champions League this season.
Mbappe punished Sociedad again 11 minutes into the second half, bursting on to Lee Kang-in’s through ball and whipping the ball in majestically at the near post. Mikel Merino scored a consolation for Sociedad a minute from time.
Includes reporting from Reuters
Source: independent.co.uk
