Bayern Munich's Kane Reflects on Bernabeu Goal After Real Madrid Draw
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has reflected on scoring a crucial away goal against Real Madrid, describing the Santiago Bernabéu as a special venue. The England captain, who joined Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur last summer for a reported fee in excess of €100 million, scored his 43rd goal of the season in the 2-2 first-leg draw in the Champions League semi-final.
Kane's goal, a first-time finish from a Michael Olise cross in the 53rd minute, cancelled out Vinícius Júnior's early penalty for Real Madrid. The 30-year-old striker has now scored eight goals in 11 Champions League appearances this campaign.
"It's a great feeling to score in a stadium like this, especially when the goal helps the team get a result," Kane said post-match, according to a club statement. The goal was a classic poacher's finish, arriving at the far post to meet Olise's cross and beat Andriy Lunin in the 57th minute. The goal, his 43rd in all competitions this season, saw him surpass his previous best single-season tally, set in the 2017/18 season with Tottenham.
Bayern Munich's sporting director, Christoph Freund, secured Kane's services on a four-year contract last August. The transfer, which saw Kane become the most expensive signing in Bundesliga history, was seen as a statement of intent from the German giants. Kane has since become the focal point of the attack under manager Thomas Tuchel, who has deployed him as a traditional number nine.
Kane's goal at the Bernabéu was a crucial away strike that keeps Bayern firmly in the tie heading into the second leg at the Allianz Arena. The draw in Madrid, which also featured a spectacular Manuel Neuer save from a Vinícius Júnior shot, leaves the semi-final tie finely balanced. The result continues Kane's impressive debut season in Munich, where he has quickly become a leader both on and off the pitch, providing a focal point for an attack that has struggled for consistency at times this season. The second leg will be played in Munich on May 8th.
