Historic Night for Harry Kane and Bayern Munich in Champions League Opener
In a dazzling display, Harry Kane etched his name into the record books on September 17, 2024, by scoring four goals as Bayern Munich triumphed over Dinamo Zagreb 9-2 in the Champions League opener. Kane’s spectacular performance propelled his total to 33 Champions League goals, surpassing Wayne Rooney’s previous record of 30 goals for an English player in the competition. This milestone not only highlights Kane’s exceptional talent but also marks a significant achievement in his ongoing career with Bayern Munich.
The match was a testament to Bayern’s offensive prowess, as the team set a new Champions League record for the most goals scored by a single team in a game with their nine-goal haul. Three of Kane’s four goals came from the penalty spot, setting yet another European record and further solidifying his status as one of the elite strikers in modern football.
Reflecting on the electrifying match, Kane expressed his excitement, stating, "It was an amazing game, a bit of a crazy game for sure. To score all those goals in the end was a great night." He opened the scoring from the penalty spot, equalizing Rooney’s mark, before surpassing it with a clinical finish from a rebound. Kane’s composure under pressure was evident as he confidently converted two additional penalties later in the match.
Bayern’s manager, Vincent Kompany, praised Kane’s motivation and leadership, calling him a vital presence on and off the pitch. "He is a leader, captain of the national team. Players like him know they have to rise at these moments, and that is what he is doing," Kompany remarked, highlighting how Kane’s attitude elevates his teammates’ performance.
In addition to Kane’s record-setting feat, the match showcased contributions from Raphael Guerreiro, Michael Olise, Leroy Sané, and Leon Goretzka, who all added to the scoreline. While the match was undoubtedly dominated by Bayern, Dinamo Zagreb managed to sneak in two goals, courtesy of Bruno Petkovic and Takuya Ogiwara, which served as a reminder that no lead is ever entirely safe.
Kane’s remarkable form shows no signs of waning; since joining Bayern, he has accumulated 53 goals in just 50 appearances, demonstrating his significance to the squad. Moreover, in his last three outings for club and country, Kane has scored an impressive nine goals, including a brace for England during his 100th international cap and a hat-trick in Bundesliga action against Holstein Kiel.
Another notable milestone achieved during this record-breaking match was Thomas Müller’s entry as a substitute, which marked his 152nd Champions League game for Bayern. This benchmark now stands as the most appearances for any player at a single club, surpassing the legendary Xavi Hernandez of Barcelona.
Despite the overwhelming win, Kompany noted some areas for improvement, particularly defensively, as Bayern conceded two goals shortly after half-time. "We scored nine but we conceded two goals. We conceded those goals because we were a step too late," he commented, a testament to the coach’s desire for continuous growth even in victory.
This thrilling encounter emphasizes Bayern Munich’s attacking capabilities and Harry Kane’s remarkable contributions, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating Champions League campaign ahead.
