Kane’s comeback goal gives Bayern edge; Havertz seals late win for Arsenal
Kane had a quiet first half but contributed to the build-up for the opening goal by Luis Díaz in the 41st minute.
KATHMANDU: Harry Kane marked his return from injury in style, scoring a crucial goal to give Bayern Munich a 2–1 advantage over Real Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash.
After missing recent matches due to injury, Kane had a quiet first half but contributed to the build-up for the opening goal by Luis Díaz in the 41st minute.
He came alive immediately after the break, scoring early in the second half with a clinical finish that left goalkeeper Andriy Lunin with no chance.
Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer played a key role in preserving Bayern’s lead with four outstanding saves. Jude Bellingham was introduced in the 60th minute and made an instant impact for Madrid.
The visitors pulled one back in the 74th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a precise cross that was converted by Kylian Mbappé.
In another quarterfinal encounter, Kai Havertz scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to hand Arsenal a 1–0 victory over Sporting CP.
Coming off the bench in the second half, Havertz struck in the first minute of added time, giving Arsenal a vital advantage ahead of the second leg at the Emirates Stadium.
The win also ended Arsenal’s two-match losing streak and provided a much-needed boost after recent setbacks.
Despite dominating possession in the first half, Arsenal struggled to break through, while Sporting threatened on the counterattack. Both sides created chances after the break, but it was Havertz’s late heroics that ultimately decided the match.
