Kane sets Champions League record as Bayern draw with Real Madrid

Bayern Munich drew 2-2 against Real Madrid in an exhilarating Champions League semi-final first leg, as Harry Kane set a new record in the competition.

Kane scored from the penalty spot to make it 2-1 to Bayern early in the second half, just four minutes after Leroy Sane had brilliantly restored parity.

That successfully converted spot-kick made Kane the first English player to be directly involved in 11 goals in a single Champions League campaign.

Kane is the joint-top scorer across Europe’s big five leagues in all competitions this season (43 – level with Kylian Mbappe), while the England captain now has the most combined goals and assists of any player (54 – 43 goals and 11 assists).

Bayern Munich 2-2 Real Madrid

Four goals are shared by Bayern and Real in this semi-final first leg, setting up a fantastic second leg in Madrid.#FCBRMA pic.twitter.com/MSnFqHph5P

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) April 30, 2024

Vinicius Junior scored both of Madrid’s goals. His opener came in the 24th minute, with the Brazil forward coolly slotting home from Toni Kroos’ delicious throughball.

Kroos, playing against his former club, played 15 line-breaking passes in the first half, at least ten more than any other player on the pitch.

Vinicius’ second goal came from 12 yards, with Kim Min-jae having fouled Rodrygo in Bayern’s area.

Having sent Manuel Neuer the wrong way, Vinicius marked his 31st direct goal involvement since the start of the 2021-22 campaign (16 goals, 15 assists). That is more goal involvements than any other player in that time.

Jude Bellingham was unable to wield his usual influence on proceedings, creating just one chance and failing to have a shot on what was his 32nd Champions League appearance.

32 – Tonight will be Jude Bellingham’s 32nd appearance in the UEFA Champions League – in the history of the competition, only Cesc Fàbregas (34) has made more before turning 21 years of age. Tested. pic.twitter.com/BApmaG4Wtv

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 30, 2024

Only Cesc Fabregas (34) has made more Champions League appearances before turning 21 than Bellingham has, with the former Borussia Dortmund star having moved level with Iker Casillas and Roque Santa Cruz.

At the other end of the age spectrum, Muller has now made 150 Champions League appearances for Bayern, becoming just the third player to reach that milestone for a single club in the competition, after Xavi (151 for Barcelona) and Casillas (150 for Real Madrid).