Despite South Korean centre-back Kim Min-jae being sent off in the 63rd minute, putting the hosts under pressure, Bayern Munich still showcased its resilience in Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League.
Relying on two goals scored earlier by Harry Kane, Bayern secured a 2–0 home victory over Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise.
Standings Situation Clarified as Bayern Secure a Top-Four Finish
After seven matches, Bayern Munich has recorded six wins and one loss, collecting 18 points and sitting second in the standings, behind only Arsenal, which remains unbeaten.
Because Bayern hold a four-point lead over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with just one round to play, they are now mathematically guaranteed to finish in the top four.
This means Bayern have officially secured one of the group’s qualification spots for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, joining Arsenal as the second confirmed team from the group.
This early qualification allows Bayern to avoid the playoff stage, helping them conserve energy and better prepare for both domestic league commitments and the Champions League knockout rounds.
Kane Scores Twice
Harry Kane opened the scoring in the 52nd minute with a header, then converted a penalty three minutes later to make it 2–0.
In the 80th minute, Bayern were awarded another penalty after the opposition committed a handball. However, Kane’s effort struck the post, denying him the chance to complete a hat-trick.
Kane’s two goals brought his European tally to 71, surpassing Filippo Inzaghi for sixth all-time.
Kimmich Reaches a Champions League Milestone
Joshua Kimmich made his 103rd Champions League appearance for Bayern, equaling Oliver Kahn. Kimmich now ranks fourth in Bayern’s all-time Champions League appearances, reinforcing his importance.
Kane: Early Qualification Is Crucial for the Team
After the match, Kane stressed the importance of securing qualification as early as possible.
“Qualifying for the Round of 16 early is a very positive outcome. Last season, we had to go through the playoffs, which made February extremely congested. Things are much better this time, and the players deserve a lot of credit,” Kane said.
Frankfurt Suffer a Late Defeat and Exit the Champions League
In contrast to Bayern’s smooth progression, fellow Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt endured a disappointing night. Playing away against the Azerbaijani side Qarabag, Frankfurt conceded a stoppage-time goal and fell to a dramatic 3–2 defeat.
The loss marked Frankfurt’s third consecutive Champions League defeat, leaving them stranded on four points. As a result, they were eliminated with one match still to play, officially ending their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
Contrasting Fates Highlight the Brutality of the Champions League
The contrasting results for Bayern and Frankfurt emphasize the unpredictable and demanding nature of the Champions League.
