Harry Kane believes Bayern Munich’s fighting spirit in their dramatic 5-4 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain will be the deciding factor in next week’s Champions League semi-final second leg.
In a game that will go down as an instant classic – the highest-scoring semi-final leg in the history of the tournament – the Bavarians went down when the French champions raced into a 5-2 lead. However, a comeback with goals from Dayot Upamecano and Luis Diaz left Germany open for the second leg.
Kane, who opened the scoring with a 17th-minute penalty to become the first England player to score in six consecutive Champions League games, was proud of his side’s refusal to buckle under pressure.
“Overall, we had moments where we could have killed the game early,” Kane said.
“So, we are very proud that we got back to 5-4 because we are not at home, being down 5-2 can be a very difficult place. But we fought back and got back to the top.”
The England captain, who has 13 goals in this competition this season, described this game as meeting the bulls.
“I think we saw two top teams out there today, especially in the offensive game and transitions, speed, intensity in one-on-one battles. Two top teams will go head-to-head.”
Heading to the Allianz Arena, Kane is calling for Bayern to find a clinical edge to match their undeniable intensity.
“We had moments where we could have been better in the last win or the last. We felt better and better, especially as the game went on, they started to get tired. We have to bring the same intensity. We will need more of that next week.”
Kompany View from the Stands
As the drama unfolded on the pitch, Bayern manager Vincent Kompany was forced to watch from the stands due to a phone call being cut off. It was a frustrating night for the Belgian, who had to watch assistant Aaron Danks take over while talking through an earpiece.
“It’s not fun anymore. If it doesn’t happen again, I’ll be satisfied. I can’t make decisions from 80 meters away. But I’m happy with the way the players responded, from the top of the pitch,” Kompany said.
Kompany remained “stone-faced” as the lead grew to 5-2 but were revived by a late surge. He also dismissed the idea of tactically looking at homes – a method sometimes used by his team-mate Luis Enrique.
“I don’t know why. I won’t do that,” said the Belgian coach.
With his suspension, Kompany will return to the technical area in the return leg. He laid down the gauntlet to Bayern Munich fans to create a more hostile environment than their previous night in Europe.
“There was so much fire against Madrid. We don’t need less than that, we need more, and that’s all I can ask for. I would go to the pitch in a game like that, but not be quiet.”
Kane echoed that sentiment, asking the home crowd to act as the 12th man to push Bayern towards the final.
“It’s going to be who’s going to take their time next week. There’s a lot of times today, and it’s probably going to be the same next week. So, being at home with the crowd behind us, hopefully that can push us over the line.”
