Bayern Munich did what is expected of an European giant. They won, dominated, and practically booked themselves a quarterfinals berth in the Champions League. In a flawless exhibition of football at Allianz Arena, the Bavarians routed Bayer Leverkusen 3-0, opening a dominant margin for the return leg. Harry Kane was brilliant with two goals, and Jamal Musiala made his mark, securing a season already the best he has had this far. But as much as the scoreline and display suggest an unbeatable Bayern, one thing stands out — and it's not just the first competitive outing of young Jonas Urbig.
Kane unstoppable
It's no longer surprising at this stage to witness Harry Kane winning games. The English striker has now netted nine times in ten Champions League games this season, a figure that even by the records of the best strikers in the competition's history is a staggering one. Kane has been a goal-scoring machine since he joined Bavaria in August 2023, racking up figures that simply have no parallel among his contemporaries. He has no one in front of him with more than his 17 goals in the tournament or directly involved in as many match-winning plays (22). It's a physical and direct impact, worthy of a number 9 who has not only the weight but also the assurance of one of the biggest clubs in the world.
Kane is the kind of player who makes a good team a powerhouse, providing his teammates with the luxury of playing without worrying, knowing that there is always someone available to finish. In Leverkusen, that's precisely what happened. Bayern dominated their rhythm from the very start, and every time the match demanded a statement, Kane made it happen.
Bayern has a star in the making
While Kane is the goal-machine, Jamal Musiala is the creative injection that makes Bayern even more deadly. The young German scored his 17th goal of the season, smashing his previous tally, and goes on to prove he is getting better by the day. As his decision-making becomes sharper with each passing match, Musiala's transformation has been nothing short of stellar.
Against Leverkusen, he showed why he is one of the most thrilling young stars of international soccer. Bayern has an unbelievable talent made for the big moments. If the German club's present owes something to Kane as the benchmark, then their future will have to be defined by Musiala's majesty.
Home dominance and the weight of history
It is nearly ritual that Bayern Munich are to win at Allianz Arena, and indeed in Champions League games. The Leverkusen win took their home winless run in the competition to an incredible 22. No team has left Munich in the tournament as victors since that loss to PSG in 2021. At home, the reliability has been one of the best assets Bayern have used in the quest for a record seventh European title.
But beyond the statistics, there is also a psychological factor at play. Bayern carries a heritage burden that intimidates others. The Germans are experts at playing this kind of competition, and the statistics they have built up over the seasons bear witness to how, in the critical moments, they are seldom beaten. The 2013 final defeat of Borussia Dortmund is a living testament to Bayern's capacity to turn Champions League nights into cult moments.
Neuer benched in unexpected fashion
But for the Bavarians, everything was not perfect. In an instant nobody could have foreseen, Manuel Neuer in some mysterious way ended up getting himself hurt after Bayern's second goal. Yes, indeed— legendary goalkeeper of the team hurt himself upon celebrating Musiala's goal and suffered a calf muscle strain. The injury will keep him out for a couple of weeks, robbing Bayern of their captain at a highly crucial period in the season.
Neuer's absence is a blow, but it also brings new challenges. Young 'keeper Jonas Urbig, recruited in January, was forced into action and became the second-youngest ever Bayern goalkeeper to play for the team in the Champions League. Although he was not really tested with big saves, he showed composure when distributing the ball and provided the team with badly needed confidence. Now he will have the responsibility of making Bayern's defense water-tight as Neuer regains his fitness.
What to look for in the second leg?
With a 3-0 win, Bayern is entering the second leg with a comfortable margin. They can even lose two goals at BayArena and still reach the quarterfinals. But if there is anything soccer has taught us, it is that second-leg games can always be full of surprises.
Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen will need to leave everything on the pitch, and a little more, just to try to write this miracle. The problem? Bayern doesn't usually allow the likes of such story to be written.