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E-mail , March 6, 2025
Bayern Munich took a major step towards the Champions League quarterfinals with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of its last-16 tie on Wednesday.
The host started brightly and caused the Leverkusen defense constant problems. Leon Goretzka had the first real chance after six minutes, but Mario Hermoso made a crucial clearance in the area.
Joshua Kimmich (L) of Bayern Munich vies with Amine Adli of Bayer 04 Leverkusen during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 1st leg football match between Bayern Munich and Bayer 04 Leverkusen in Munich, Germany, March 5, 2025. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)
Bayern's early dominance was rewarded shortly afterwards when Michael Olise broke down the right and delivered a precise cross to the far post, where Harry Kane headed home the opener on nine minutes.
Leverkusen struggled to find any rhythm despite enjoying spells of possession. The visitors' best chance of the first half came when Dayot Upamecano's misplaced back-pass left Jeremie Frimpong one-on-one with Manuel Neuer. However, the veteran goalkeeper made a fine save to deny him in the 13th minute.
The Bavarians continued to dominate proceedings and created further chances before the break. Jamal Musiala hit the crossbar with a close-range header, while Kingsley Coman and Joshua Kimmich went close in the second half.
The second half began in similar fashion, with Bayern capitalizing on a mistake by the Leverkusen goalkeeper. Kimmich's cross slipped through the hands of Matej Kovar, allowing Musiala to tap in from close range to make it 2-0 nine minutes into the second half.
Leverkusen's night worsened when Mukiele was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Coman in midfield on the hour mark, leaving Xabi Alonso's side with ten men.
Things went from bad to worse when Kovar misjudged a corner and Edmond Tapsoba was booked for holding Kane in the area. After a VAR review, Bayern was awarded a penalty which Kane calmly slotted into the top right-hand corner to make it 3-0.
Joao Palhinha almost added a fourth in stoppage time, hitting the crossbar after Musiala's brilliant set-piece.
"We need to perform like we did today in the second leg to go through. We need to keep the momentum going until Tuesday," said Bayern coach Vincent Kompany.
