Bayern Secure Kane Inspired Champions League Triumph Against PSV
A sharp goal from the prolific English forward Harry Kane gave Bayern Munich a 2-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, ensuring the German powerhouse finished second in the Champions League standings.
The outcome brought disappointment to PSV, who failed to reach the play offs despite impressive triumphs over Liverpool and Napoli in the group stage.
Bayern had already qualified for the knockout rounds, and coach Vincent Kompany rotated the squad with five alterations from the team that lost 2-1 to Augsburg, marking their initial Bundesliga setback since March.
He opted to rest Kane on the substitutes bench, alongside keeper Manuel Neuer and the 24 year old French winger Michael Olise.
The home team began with the most energy on a chilly evening in Eindhoven, as experienced forward Ivan Perisic unleashed a volley that narrowly cleared the crossbar within the opening three minutes.
A fluid opening half demanded saves from both keepers, with Bayern's Jonas Urbig making an impressive stop on a Perisic header right before half time.
However, no team managed to score, and the interval arrived at 0-0, with Peter Bosz's squad facing potential exit from the competition based on the current scenario.
Bayern eventually took the lead through a swift counter.
A PSV foray broke down, catching them vulnerable defensively as the visitors pounced.
Following neat passing with young midfielder Lennart Karl, forward Jamal Musiala rifled the ball into the net from near range, silencing the Philips Stadion crowd.
Kane came on in the 62nd minute, joined by German international attacker Serge Gnabry who is 30, as Bayern brought in strong options for the closing stages.
Desperate to stay in the Champions League, PSV pressed hard, and their key player Ismael Saibari pulled one back on 77 minutes.
After a clever exchange with midfielder Guus Til, the 25 year old Moroccan midfielder bent a brilliant effort into the upper corner.
Yet Kane sealed the result, finishing neatly from a Luis Diaz pass across the box on 84 minutes, dashing any hopes of a late PSV comeback.