Harry Kane's double on 50th appearance helps Bayern Munich survive late Holstein Kiel comeback
Harry Kane marked his 50th Bundesliga appearance with a brace as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich held off a spirited late fightback from Holstein Kiel in a seven-goal thriller at the Allianz Arena.
Bayern Munich 4-3 Holstein Kiel
Goals: 1-0 Musiala 19’ (assist: Olise), 2-0 Kane 45’+3 (assist: Coman), 3-0 Kane 46’ (assist Guerreiro), 4-0 Gnabry 54’, 4-1 Porath 62’ (assist: Becker), 4-2 Skrzybski 90’+1 (assist: Becker), 4-3 Skrzybski 90’+3
The match began with Bayern asserting their dominance, controlling possession and creating early chances. The breakthrough came in the 19th minute when Jamal Musiala found the net, finishing off a slick passing move involving Joshua Kimmich and Michael Olise. Kiel's best opportunity of the half fell to Lewis Holtby, whose close-range effort was cleared off the line by Minjae Kim. As the first half drew to a close, Kane doubled Bayern's lead with a powerful header from Kingsley Coman's cross, sending the hosts into the break with a deserved cushion.
Kane and Gnabry extend lead before Kiel fightback
The second half started with a bang as Kane notched his second of the match, heading home Raphaël Guerreiro's cross just seconds after the restart. Serge Gnabry, on at half-time for Olise, volleyed in a superb fourth in the 54th minute, seemingly putting the result beyond doubt. However, Kiel refused to give up, with Finn Porath pulling a goal back in the 62nd minute with a powerful strike from the edge of the area.
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Late drama as Kiel threaten unlikely equaliser
With the game seemingly lost, Kiel made several changes, introducing Steven Skrzybski and Magnus Knudsen in the 61st minute, followed by ex-Bayern youngster Fiete Arp. These substitutions proved crucial in a dramatic finale as Skrzybski scored twice in injury time to set up a tense finish. His first came in the 91st minute, followed by another just two minutes later, bringing the score to 4-3. The late surge had the Allianz Arena on edge, but Bayern managed to hold on for a win that takes them nine points clear of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen, who host Hoffenheim on Sunday.
Player of the Match: Harry Kane
Kane delivered a clinical performance on his 50th Bundesliga appearance, scoring two crucial goals that proved decisive in Bayern's victory. The England captain's brace, both coming from well-placed headers, demonstrated his aerial prowess and clinical finishing. His overall contribution, including hold-up play and link-up with teammates, was instrumental in Bayern's attacking dominance throughout the match. Had he not been withdrawn, a hat-trick would surely have been on the cards.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bayern Munich 3.28 - Holstein Kiel 2.28
Fastest player: Konrad Laimer (FCB), 34.17 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 4-1 by Serge Gnabry (FCB), 16.59 percent
Most pressed player: Jamal Musiala (FCB), 41 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Kingsley Coman (FCB), +3.69
Fantasy Heroes: Jamal Musiala (FC Bayern München, 357 Points), Harry Kane (FC Bayern München, 304 Points), Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern München, 272 Points)
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