UCL: Bayern Munich Thrash Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 in Champions League Clash

Bayern Munich will take a three-goal advantage into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayer Leverkusen, following a comprehensive 3-0 victory in the first leg.

Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich dominated their German rivals Bayer Leverkusen, securing a convincing 3-0 victory in their UEFA Champions League last-16 clash. This triumph marked Bayern's first win over Bayer Leverkusen since Xabi Alonso took the reins as coach of Die Werkself.

The encounter was a far cry from the dull 0-0 league draw between the two teams just a couple of weeks prior. With renewed intensity, Bayern seized the initiative, taking the lead within nine minutes. Michael Olise delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, which Harry Kane expertly anticipated, darting in front of Nordi Mukiele to score his first goal in five matches and end his longest drought for Bayern.

Dayot Upamecano's momentary lapse in concentration nearly proved costly for Bayern, as he gifted possession to Jeremie Frimpong. However, the Leverkusen player, deployed in an unfamiliar center-forward role, failed to capitalize on the opportunity, unable to beat Manuel Neuer in a one-on-one situation.

A dominant performance from Bayern München 💪#UCL pic.twitter.com/sq0VaFoT3W

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 5, 2025

That chance proved to be a fleeting moment of hope for Leverkusen, as Bayern subsequently launched a relentless attack. Jamal Musiala came agonizingly close to scoring, heading against the bar from point-blank range following a corner. Kingsley Coman and Joshua Kimmich then tested Matej Kovar with long-range efforts, although their shots sailed wide. As tensions rose, particularly just before halftime, Xabi Alonso's side was fortunate to escape the first half without further damage.

Bayer Leverkusen's luck eventually ran out less than 10 minutes into the second half. Joshua Kimmich's seemingly innocuous ball into the box was misjudged by Matej Kovar, who dropped it at the feet of Jamal Musiala. The Bayern player capitalized on the mistake, tapping the ball into the empty net to extend his team's lead.

Leverkusen's woes deepened as Nordi Mukiele earned a second yellow card for stepping on Kingsley Coman's heel, leaving his team with nine men. To compound their misery, Edmond Tapsoba conceded a penalty by hauling Harry Kane to the ground. Kane dusted himself off and expertly converted the spot kick, firing into the top right corner to score his 17th UCL goal since joining Bayern, the most by any player in that timeframe.

✨ 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 ✨#FCBB04 #UCL pic.twitter.com/Nv7k1d8Hxt

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) March 5, 2025

With the deficit now at three goals, Leverkusen's primary objective in the final stages was to prevent further damage and keep the scoreline respectable. The task ahead of them in the second leg is daunting, but they will draw inspiration from their 3-0 win over Bayern at the BayArena just 12 months ago. To replicate that feat, however, Leverkusen will need to rectify some of the poor personnel selections that contributed to their struggles in this match.