Harry Kane nets brace as Bayern Munich secure crucial win over Eintracht Frankfurt
On the weekend in which Harry Kane was honoured for 500 career goals, the Englishman netted a brace as Bayern Munich secured three straight Bundesliga victories despite a heroic second half display from Albert Riera's men.
Bayern Munich 3-2 Eintracht Frankfurt
Goals: 1-0 Pavlović 16’, 2-0 Kane 20’ (assist: Stanišić), 3-0 Kane 68’ (assist: Kimmich), 3-1 Burkardt 77’ (pen), 3-2 Kalimuendo 86’
Bayern faced Frankfurt at the Allianz Arena with a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to nine points ahead of Borussia Dortmund's clash with RB Leipzig.
Vincent Kompany's side entered the match with the best attack in Bundesliga history after 22 rounds, having scored 82 goals, while Frankfurt arrived unbeaten in their first two matches under new coach Albert Riera.
The Eagles had proven to be Bayern's bogey team in recent years, winning four times against the Bavarians since the start of the 2019/20 season - more than any other Bundesliga side.
Bayern dominate opening period
The hosts took control from the start, dominating possession and pushing Frankfurt back into their own half. Michael Olise had the first meaningful attempt in the fourth minute, but his effort from distance sailed over the crossbar.
Bayern's pressure eventually told in the 16th minute when Aleksandar Pavlović broke the deadlock with a superb volley from just outside the box. After a corner was cleared to the edge of the area, the midfielder struck the ball first time, giving Kauã Santos little chance despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it.
Four minutes later, Bayern doubled their advantage when Kane headed home from close range after Josip Stanišić flicked on Olise's corner.
Kane extends lead before Frankfurt rally
Bayern suffered a setback early in the second half when Alphonso Davies was forced off with an injury, with Hiroki Ito coming on as his replacement. Frankfurt responded with three attacking changes on the hour mark, introducing Jonathan Burkardt, Arnaud Kalimuendo and Mario Götze. The substitutions nearly paid off immediately when Burkardt struck the post in the 62nd minute after good work from Kalimuendo and Götze.
However, Kane appeared to put the game beyond doubt in the 68th minute with a sublime left-footed strike from outside the box, curling the ball into the bottom corner.
The visitors were given a lifeline in the 77th minute when Kane fouled Oscar Höjlund in the box, and Burkardt, making his return, converted the penalty. Frankfurt then set up a tense finale when Kalimuendo capitalised on Joshua Kimmich's defensive error to make it 3-2 in the 86th minute but despite late pressure, Bayern held on for the victory.
Watch: Kane was honoured prior to kick off after scoring 500 career goals
Man of the Match: Harry Kane
Kane delivered another masterclass for Bayern Munich, scoring twice to take his Bundesliga tally to 28 goals for the season - already surpassing his total from the previous campaign. The England captain's first goal was a well-placed header from close range, while his second was a clinical finish from outside the box.
Despite conceding the penalty that started Frankfurt's comeback, Kane's overall contribution was decisive, taking eight shots throughout the match - by far the most of any player. His ability to score from different situations once again proved crucial for Bayern as they maintained their lead at the top of the table.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Bayern 1.94 - Frankfurt 2.26
Fastest player: Arnaud Kalimuendo (Frankfurt), 33.66 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 3-0 by Harry Kane (Bayern), 5.11 percent
Most pressed player: Michael Olise (Bayern), 30 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Luis Díaz (Bayern), +3.44
Fantasy Heroes: Harry Kane (Bayern, 459 Points), Michael Olise (Bayern, 313 Points), Kauã Santos (Frankfurt, 295 Points)
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