How did Kane's double lead Bayern past Chelsea in the Champions League?

Munich (Germany), Sep 18 (NationPress) Harry Kane netted a brace to propel Bayern Munich to a 3-1 triumph over Chelsea in their Champions League opener on Wednesday. Meanwhile, reigning champions Paris St Germain kicked off their campaign with a stunning 4-0 victory against Atalanta at the Parc des Princes.

At the Allianz Arena, Bayern took the lead in the 20th minute when Trevoh Chalobah, under pressure from Dayot Upamecano, accidentally directed the ball into his own goal. Just seven minutes later, Kane converted a penalty after being fouled in the box, extending their lead to 2-0. However, Chelsea, who had been unbeaten in the Premier League up to that point, swiftly responded. Cole Palmer, returning from a groin injury, initiated and finished a well-executed play to close the gap to 2-1.

The hosts intensified their efforts after the break, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez making two crucial saves—first denying a shot from Kane in the 57th minute, and then spectacularly stopping an effort from Michael Olise. Kane eventually found the back of the net again, finishing coolly in the 63rd minute, raising his Champions League goal tally to 21. He now joins an elite group of players—alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar—who have scored over 20 goals for two different clubs in this prestigious tournament.

“An incredible result and a top-notch performance against a very good team,” Kane remarked. “We maintained our composure and performed exceptionally in the second half. It became challenging for them to press us, and as they tired, the spaces began to open up. It was a physically demanding match, and we are thrilled with the outcome.”

Chelsea almost managed a late consolation goal when Andrey Santos set up Palmer in the 90th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. “I believe we played well,” Palmer reflected. “The three goals we conceded were our own doing. We had opportunities… We deserved a better outcome than this.”

At 39, Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer became the club’s oldest player to feature in the Champions League, although he had little to do as the Germans celebrated their 22nd consecutive win in a group-stage opener.

On a different note in Paris, PSG quickly demonstrated their dominance. Captain Marquinhos pressed high and finished a move he initiated in the third minute, followed by goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nuno Mendes, and substitute Goncalo Ramos, resulting in a commanding 4-0 victory. Bradley Barcola missed a penalty before halftime, but it had little bearing on the overall result as Luis Enrique’s team displayed their championship pedigree.

“There was significant pressure in the opening minutes, but we created numerous chances, prepared thoroughly for the match, and delivered an excellent performance,” Enrique stated.

Next, PSG will focus on their match against Barcelona at the Camp Nou on October 1, while Atalanta will host Club Brugge on the same day.