Harry Kane has written his name into UEFA Champions League history, joining Cristiano Ronaldo in one of the competition’s most elite scoring circles. But despite the landmark achievement, the English striker faced another painful European elimination as Bayern Munich bowed out at the semi-final stage to Paris Saint-Germain.
Kane equals Ronaldo’s legendary feat
Becoming only the second player to score in six consecutive knockout games in the Champions League, Harry Kane now stands alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in a prestigious list, having achieved the feat between 2012 and 2013. Kane’s latest goal came in the most dramatic fashion – a 94th minute equalizer against Paris Saint-Germain in Bayern Munich’s 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena.
The goal marked a truly sensational individual campaign from Kane, who also converted a penalty in the first leg of the semi-final. Despite his consistency in scoring, Bayern were eliminated on aggregate, losing 6-5 to PSG, leaving Kane agonizingly short of European success. http://(uefa.com in Bing)
A career of near misses
Leaving Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern Munich on a quest to win silverware – and more specifically, the Champions League – Kane’s dream once again went unfulfilled. Although Bayern went one step further this season than they have done in the previous two – reaching the semi-finals after crashing out in the quarter-finals – the ultimate prize remains a distant one.
It’s a feeling that is becoming all too familiar to Kane, who reached the Champions League final in 2019 with Spurs, only to be beaten by Liverpool. Now, after scoring an incredible 56 goals in 49 matches across all competitions, the English striker will have to wait until next season to go again in his quest for glory.
PSG’s clinical display
Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions, showed their resilience and clinical finishing to secure their place in the final, with Ousmane Dembele’s strike three minutes into the second half forcing Bayern to chase the game.
Despite Bayern enjoying possession (66 percent) and hitting 18 shots, the German side could not find the net again. PSG’s organized defence and their ruthlessness on the counter meant that the Parisians were able to inflict yet more disappointment on Bayern, while solidifying their status as Europe’s finest.
The road to Budapest: PSG vs Arsenal
After knocking out Bayern, the capital city club have their sights set firmly on the final in Budapest where they will face Arsenal. The Gunners beat Atltico Madrid to progress to the final of Europe’s premier club competition, meaning that a massive clash between PSG and Arsenal will decide who is crowned champions of Europe this year.
An ultimate that has everyone on the edge of their seats as PSG look to defend their title and further cement their superiority over Europe, and Arsenal aim to get back to being kings of the continent after years in the dark.
Bayern Munich’s domestic dreams
The Champions League season might be out of the way for Bayern Munich this year but the Bavarians have still had a positive season and are determined to finish it strongly. They have already clinched the Bundesliga, showing that they are the best team in Germany.
Now, the focus turns to the DFB-Pokal final, which takes place on May 23 against Stuttgart, and this presents Kane with an opportunity to win his first trophy since leaving Tottenham and lift a major trophy at club level.
Kane’s legacy
Scoring in six consecutive knockout matches in the Champions League means Kane is up there with the very best to have ever played the competition. But football is a game of trophies, and even after scoring 56 goals in one season, Kane still has to add a Champions League winners medal to his CV.
The English striker can count himself unlucky to not have gone further in the competition but he is still young and will surely have other opportunities to go all the way and win the Champions League before his career is out.
Kane’s season will be remembered as one of mixed emotions; brilliance on the pitch combined with heartbreak off it. He has proven himself amongst the best forwards the Champions League has ever seen but is still awaiting that maiden European triumph. As PSG and Arsenal go head-to-head for the Champions League title, Kane will be dreaming of next season and beyond as he looks to finally claim that elusive prize.
