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| Image: Reuters |
Bayern Munich showcased their class with a commanding 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash. The match, held on March 5, 2025, saw the German giants take full control, leaving Leverkusen struggling to find a way back.
Kane Shines with a Brace
Right from the start, Bayern asserted dominance, with Harry Kane opening the scoring as early as the 9th minute. The English striker, known for his composure in front of goal, later converted a penalty in the 74th minute, further cementing his reputation as Bayern’s go-to finisher. Between those two goals, Jamal Musiala added to Leverkusen’s woes with a well-taken strike in the 54th minute, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback for the visitors.
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| Image: Reuters |
Leverkusen’s Struggles and Defensive Collapse
Leverkusen’s challenge became even more difficult when Nordi Mukiele received his second yellow card in the 61st minute, reducing his team to ten men. Playing against a Bayern side in full flow is already a tough task, but being a man down made it nearly impossible for Leverkusen to mount a response.
Neuer’s Injury and Tactical Adjustments
One of the major talking points from the game was Manuel Neuer’s unexpected exit due to injury. The veteran goalkeeper had to be replaced by Jonas Urbig in the 54th minute. Although Bayern didn’t face too many threats after that, Neuer’s condition will be a key concern moving forward, especially with crucial matches ahead.
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| Image: Reuters |
What This Means for Both Teams
With a 3-0 lead heading into the second leg, Bayern now holds a massive advantage. Leverkusen will need a miracle at home to overturn this deficit, something that seems unlikely given Bayern’s recent form. This match reinforced Bayern’s status as one of the top contenders for the Champions League title.
According to The Guardian, Bayern’s superior quality was evident throughout the game, while Bavarian Football Works highlighted the impact of Neuer’s injury and its potential consequences for the team. The overall consensus is that Bayern delivered a statement performance, proving once again why they remain one of Europe’s elite clubs.
The return leg will be a mountain to climb for Leverkusen, but in football, surprises are always possible. However, unless something dramatic happens, Bayern looks set to advance comfortably to the next round.