Harry Kane reflects on missed chances after Bayern's first-leg win over Real Madrid
Harry Kane has admitted Bayern Munich could have secured a more commanding advantage in their Champions League quarter-final tie after a 2-1 first-leg victory over Real Madrid at the Bernabéu. The England captain, while pleased with the result, suggested his side's finishing could have been sharper as they head into next week's decisive second leg in Munich.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Kane analysed the performance. "I thought we played some really good stuff today, and definitely some things we can improve on as well. Maybe the final ball or finish [could be better]," he said. The striker acknowledged the quality of the opposition, adding, "We created some fine chances there, and credit to them [Real Madrid] they did too, but Manuel [Neuer] made some really good saves. Overall we can be happy with the win and take it into next week."
The 32-year-old highlighted the challenge of playing in the Spanish capital, a venue where Bayern have historically struggled. "We knew before the game all the hype around it [this match] and coming to Madrid and the Bernabéu. Trying to get a result here is always a difficult thing to do," Kane said. The away win represents a significant step towards the semi-finals for Vincent Kompany's side, who are seeking a return to European glory.
When asked about the team's cohesion under their new manager, Kane pointed to the growing understanding within the squad. "We've enjoyed some really good moments together [this season], obviously we're at the business end of the season now so we're hoping that we can maintain that [good form]," he explained. "But the more you train, the connections get even stronger and we always feel dangerous. We always feel we can score goals and we did again away from home tonight."
Despite the slender aggregate lead, Kane emphasised the need for focus, with a crucial Bundesliga fixture against Köln coming this weekend before the European return. "We're in a good position, but as always it's just a one-goal lead [on aggregate] and it can change really quick. But first we have a big Bundesliga game this weekend," he stated. "So now it's just about recovering, focus on that, and then the time will come next week to try and perform like we did today."
Kane's first season in Germany has been prolific on an individual level, with the striker leading the Bundesliga scoring charts. However, Bayern trail Bayer Leverkusen in the domestic title race, making the Champions League their primary avenue for major silverware this campaign. His comments reflect a balancing act between satisfaction with a vital result and the awareness that the tie remains finely poised against the record 14-time champions.
