Harry Kane believes Bayern Munich’s fighting spirit in their breathtaking 5-4 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain will be the decisive factor in next week’s Champions League semi-final second leg.
In a match that will go down as an instant classic – becoming the highest-scoring semi-final leg in the competition’s history – the Bavarians looked down and out when the French champions surged to a 5-2 lead. However, a spirited comeback with goals from Dayot Upamecano and Luis Diaz has left the tie wide open for the second leg in Germany.
Kane, who opened the scoring with a 17th-minute penalty to become the first English player to score in six successive Champions League games, was immensely proud of how his side refused to fold under pressure.
“Overall, we had moments where we could have killed the game earlier on as well,” Kane said.
“So, we take a lot of pride in the fact that we got back to 5-4 because away from home, being 5-2 down could be a really tough place to be. But we fought and we’re back in the tie.”
The England captain, who now has 13 goals in the competition this season, described the encounter as a meeting of giants.
“I think we saw two high-level teams out there today, especially in the attacking play and in the transitions, the speed, the intensity in the one-against-one battles. Two of the top teams going toe-to-toe.”
Looking ahead to the Allianz Arena, Kane is calling for Bayern to find a clinical edge to match their undeniable intensity.
“We had moments where we could have been more clinical in the final pass or the final finish. We felt we got better and better, especially as the game went on, they started to tire. We’ve just got to bring the same intensity. We’re going to need more of that next week.”
Kompany’s View from the Stands
While the drama unfolded on the pitch, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany was forced to watch from the stands due to a touchline suspension. It was a frustrating evening for the Belgian, who had to watch assistant Aaron Danks take the reins while he communicated via an earpiece.
“It’s no fun. If it never happens again, I’ll be satisfied. I can’t take decisions 80 metres (262 feet) away. But I appreciated the way the players responded, from high up in the stands,” Kompany said.
Kompany remained “stone-faced” as the lead grew to 5-2 but was revitalized by the late surge. He also dismissed the idea of tactical observation from the stands – a method sometimes used by his counterpart Luis Enrique.
“I don’t know why. I wouldn’t do that,” the Belgian coach said.
With his suspension served, Kompany will be back in the technical area for the return leg. He has laid down the gauntlet to the Bayern Munich fans to create a hostile environment that surpasses their previous European nights.
“There was such fire against Madrid. We need no less than that, we need even more, and that’s all I can ask for. I’d go to the stadium for a game like that, but not to be quiet.”
Kane echoed that sentiment, banking on the home crowd to act as the 12th man to push Bayern toward the final.
“It’ll be who takes their moments next week. There were a lot of moments out there today, and it’s probably going to be the same next week. So, us being at home with the crowd behind us, we hope that can push us over the line.”
