By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Bayern Munich delivered a commanding performance to dismantle Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 (5-0 on aggregate) and secure their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday.
The Bavarians, who had already established a comfortable 3-0 lead in the first leg, showcased their dominance again at the BayArena to eliminate their Bundesliga rivals with clinical efficiency.
The match began with Bayern asserting their attacking intent early on. Harry Kane, in fine form, tested Leverkusen goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky in the fifth minute with a powerful effort, but the shot-stopper produced a superb save.
Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman both went agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock as Bayern piled pressure on the hosts.
Leverkusen, struggling to break through Bayern’s resolute defence, had glimpses of opportunity. Patrik Schick came closest for the hosts in the 37th minute, narrowly missing a header, while Exequiel Palacios was denied by an outstanding save from Jonas Urbig in stoppage time.
However, Bayern’s breakthrough came in the 52nd minute. Joshua Kimmich’s precise free kick found Kane, who controlled the ball expertly before firing it into the bottom right corner, leaving Hradecky with no chance.
The goal extended Bayern’s aggregate lead to 4-0, all but sealing their progression.
Bayern continued their relentless assault, and in the 71st minute, Alphonso Davies put the game beyond doubt. The Canadian full-back latched onto a pinpoint cross from Kane and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner, sealing a comfortable 2-0 victory.
Leverkusen made desperate attempts to claw back, with Jeremie Frimpong and Schick forcing saves from Urbig, but Bayern’s defence remained impenetrable.
Jamal Musiala nearly added a third for the visitors in the 86th minute, only to be denied by the woodwork.
