Kane reflects on missed chances after Bayern's first-leg win over Madrid
Harry Kane has expressed satisfaction with Bayern Munich's performance in their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid, while admitting his side could have secured a more commanding advantage. The Bundesliga champions earned a 2-1 victory at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night, with the England captain playing a key role in the attacking build-up.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Kane acknowledged room for improvement in the final third. "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 highlighted the fine chances created by his team and praised goalkeeper Manuel Neuer for his crucial saves against the Spanish giants.
The result gives Bayern a narrow lead to defend at the Allianz Arena next Wednesday. Kane, however, was quick to temper expectations, noting the precarious nature of a one-goal aggregate advantage. "We're in a good position, but as always it's just a one-goal lead [on aggregate] and it can change really quick," he said. The 32-year-old emphasized the need for immediate focus on domestic duties, with a Bundesliga fixture this weekend preceding the decisive second leg.
Kane's comments come during a prolific debut season in Germany, where he has broken the Bundesliga's single-season scoring record for a first-year player. His integration into Vincent Kompany's squad has been seamless, contributing significantly to Bayern's pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts. When asked about the team's growing synergy, Kane offered an optimistic assessment. "The more you train, the connections get even stronger and we always feel dangerous. We always feel we can score goals," he said.
The former Tottenham Hotspur star also reflected on the formidable challenge of playing in Madrid. "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 added. His measured perspective underscores the experience he brings to a Bayern squad looking to navigate the latter stages of European competition.
With the tie finely balanced, Bayern's performance in the second leg will heavily depend on Kane's clinical edge, an area he himself identified for improvement. The outcome will have significant implications for the club's season, as they aim to secure the Champions League title following a domestic campaign where they relinquished the Bundesliga crown to Bayer Leverkusen. For now, Kane and his teammates will turn their attention to maintaining momentum before the continental showdown next week.
