Harry Kane netted twice to aid Bayern Munich in reversing a first-leg deficit against Lazio, propelling them into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Down 1-0 from the initial encounter in Rome, Bayern seemed destined for a challenging evening until Kane’s header equalized the aggregate scores.
Thomas Muller, a stalwart of the team, extended the lead with yet another header. Kane then capitalized on Leroy Sane’s shot being deflected into his path, securing a 3-1 aggregate lead.
This remarkable comeback by Bayern offers hope for a shift in fortunes following a disappointing domestic season, a sentiment echoed by Kane.
“It’s a perfect evening for us. It was a big game,” he said.
“Of course we know we have to improve, but nights like this can really change the season. I’m really proud of the boys and we just have to keep this momentum going.
“It was a really important moment in our season. Everyone was looking at us, looking at how we were going to respond after the first leg.
“Hopefully we can use this as a turning point for the rest of the season.”
Thomas Tuchel’s team was on the brink of experiencing their first trophy-less season since 2011-12.
Nonetheless, this victory revitalizes Tuchel’s aspirations of securing Bayern a seventh European title before his departure at the end of the season.
The quarter-final draw is scheduled for March 15th.
Kane delivers priceless double
With just 101 days remaining until the commencement of Euro 2024, England’s captain, Kane, delivered a crucial brace to sustain his team’s campaign.
Despite being thwarted earlier by Lazio goalkeeper Ivan Provedel, Kane capitalized in the 38th minute following an astute combination involving Raphael Guerreiro and Muller.
His 50th goal in European competitions injected optimism into the atmosphere at the Allianz Arena, complemented by Muller’s header just before halftime, derived from Matthijs de Ligt’s powerful volley.
Kane’s second goal sealed an impressive victory, although Muller’s strike later hit the post. Since his move to Germany for an initial £86.4m plus add-ons, the former Tottenham player has amassed 33 goals in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
“As a striker, you’re judged on goals and assists, in big matches especially, in knockout stages like tonight,” added Kane.
“To be able to help the team is confidence-building for me, confidence for the team.
“I’m just going to keep trying to do what I’m doing. It’s been a good season so far for me in terms of goals, but as a team, we know we can do better.”
Lazio faced disappointment as the final whistle blew.
The Italian club had hoped to orchestrate a significant upset in Germany but squandered a prime opportunity to extend their aggregate lead when Ciro Immobile’s header missed the target shortly before Kane’s opening goal.
Under Tuchel’s leadership this season, Bayern has encountered difficulties despite their dominance in the past, clinching 11 consecutive Bundesliga titles.
They currently trail league leaders Bayer Leverkusen by 10 points with 10 games remaining, and were eliminated from the German Cup by third-division side Saarbrucken.
However, this particular evening provided a rare moment of satisfaction for Tuchel, as Bayern secured a stylish victory.
“Coming from the situation we were in, there was a lot resting on this game for us and I think we handled it really well,” defender Eric Dier, who was making his first Champions League appearance for Bayern since joining in January, told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“There’s a long way to go in the season and, in the Champions League, anything is possible. We’re excited for the next round, that was the objective for today.”