Harry Kane marked his comeback from injury with a superb strike as Bayern Munich took the advantage in their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid with an impressive first-leg victory at the Bernabeu.
Kane, watched by England head coach Thomas Tuchel, was back in action following the minor issue that forced him to miss the international friendly against Japan and Bayern’s Bundesliga win against Freiburg.
The 32-year-old England captain was subdued in the first half, although he was involved in the build-up when former Liverpool forward Luis Diaz gave Bayern a deserved lead with a composed finish four minutes before half-time.
Kane then showed his class moments after the restart with a clinical right-foot strike into the bottom corner that gave Real keeper Andriy Lunin no chance.
Bayern’s veteran keeper Manuel Neuer made four fine saves, including three from Kylian Mbappe, but Vincent Kompany’s visiting side could also have scored more in a pulsating encounter.
In desperation, and with restlessness sweeping around the stadium, Real brought Jude Bellingham on after an hour as Real tried to mount a fightback – and the midfielder delivered an outstanding cameo.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had looked uncertain in defence, showed the other side of his game with a superb low cross that was turned in by Mbappe after 74 minutes.
Real continued to press but Bayern held out to take a narrow lead to Munich for the second leg.
Real Madrid analysis: England duo give Tuchel food for thought
Tuchel made the journey to the Bernabeu with a trio of internationals in his sights as the World Cup countdown continues.
Alexander-Arnold was in Real’s starting line-up and Kane lined up for the visitors, but Bellingham was on the home side’s bench as his minutes are managed after a lengthy absence with a hamstring injury.
Real Madrid’s pair will have given Tuchel plenty of food for thought in a thrilling game littered with scoring opportunities.
Alexander-Arnold has become England’s forgotten man under the German despite his enormous talent.
He failed to make Tuchel’s extended 35-man squad for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, and then Ben White – not a regular for Arsenal this season and in international exile since 2022 – was selected ahead of him as a replacement.
Tuchel has never doubted Alexander-Arnold’s ability as a creator, but has always appeared to harbour reservations about his defensive frailties.
Not much happened here to suggest Tuchel will change his mind on the defender as he showed the differing sides to his game.
In the first half, with Real under pressure, the former Liverpool right-back presented Bayern with a golden chance with a wayward pass to Michael Olise, but he could not find Serge Gnabry.
He then lost his former Liverpool team-mate Luis Diaz, who stole in behind him to put Bayern in front.
However Alexander-Arnold showed his potency in an attacking context in the second half, with dangerous set-piece deliveries and a perfect low cross for Mbappe to score at the far post.
Bellingham, battling for England’s number 10 role with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers among others, came on after an hour and changed the tempo of Real’s performance by adding drive from midfield – but he could not rescue a losing cause.
Bayern Munich analysis: Kane’s class proves decisive
The fitness of England captain Kane was the hot topic in Bayern coach Vincent Kompany’s pre-match media briefing – evidence of his importance to the side.
The former Tottenham striker made the cut after his injury, but in the first half looked off the pace as he struggled to make any impact.
He made the pass to Gnabry that led to Diaz’s opener, but then showed exactly what he is all about seconds after half-time.
The low drive into Lunin’s bottom corner was Kane personified. Clinical, and high class.
It proved to be the winner in a chaotic encounter in which Real threatened a fightback and Bayern were also guilty of late over-elaboration when they had chances to strengthen their position further.
Writing off Real Madrid in the Champions League is a hazardous occupation, but Bayern looked so superior that it would be surprise if they relinquished their lead in the second leg at Allianz Arena.
What’s next for these teams?
Real Madrid return to La Liga action and host Girona on Friday evening (20:00 BST).
Bayern Munich play on Saturday in the Bundesliga when they travel to St Pauli (17:30 BST).
