Kane's Schnitzel Streak Continues - Kompany Plans Big Weeks - Bayern Munich storm into Champions League last 16 with Kane’s record-breaking form
Bayern Munich have secured their spot in the Champions League last 16 without needing the February playoffs. This early qualification could give them extra time to prepare for the knockout stages. Meanwhile, striker Harry Kane continues to break records, both on and off the pitch.
The team’s path to the next round was sealed despite playing with 10 men for half an hour. Defender Kim Min-jae received a red card, forcing Bayern to hold on against a Brussels-based side. His suspension now rules him out of the final group match against PSV Eindhoven.
Kane’s two goals in that game marked Bayern’s 250th victory in Europe’s top competition, combining Champions League and European Cup wins. His first strike also opened the scoring—earning him the nickname 'bottle opener' for the match. However, he missed a chance to reach 100 career penalties after hitting the crossbar. Off the field, Kane enjoys a unique reward for his goals. Stefan Kastner, owner of a local restaurant near Munich, gifts him a schnitzel with roasted potatoes or potato salad after every Bayern goal. The striker has now scored 34 times in 29 competitive games this season. With one point needed against PSV, Bayern will secure second place in their group. This would ensure home advantage for the second leg in every knockout round until the semifinals. The revamped Champions League format has already earned the club over €50 million in bonuses. Midfielder Joshua Kimmich called avoiding the playoffs an advantage. But he noted that last season’s winners, Paris Saint-Germain, had to navigate the same route to lift the trophy.
Bayern’s early qualification means more rest before the knockout stages. Kane’s scoring form and the team’s financial gains from the new Champions League structure add to their momentum. The absence of Kim Min-jae in the next match, however, leaves a gap in defence to address.
