Bayern overpower 10-man Leverkusen to move closer to quarter-finals | OneFootball

Going into Wednesday's Champions League last-16 first leg at the Allianz Arena, Bayern Munich hadn't beaten Bayer Leverkusen in six matches since 2022.

But that winless run came to an abrupt end as the Bavarians ran out 3-0 winners against a Leverkusen side that played with 10 men for around half an hour after Nordi Mukiele saw red.

Harry Kane got Bayern off to the perfect start, powerfully heading home Michael Olise's cross after nine minutes.

Dayot Upamecano almost gifted Leverkusen an equaliser soon after when his pass back to Manuel Neuer was intercepted by Jeremie Frimpong, but the Dutchman's effort was kept out by a fine save from the Bayern goalkeeper.

However, it was the Bavarians who controlled proceedings and Jamal Musiala came close to doubling their lead when his header from a corner hit the crossbar midway through the first half.

Musiala eventually got on the scoresheet early in the second half, capitalising on a mistake by Matej Kovar. The Leverkusen goalkeeper dropped the ball right into the path of the 22-year-old, who slotted into an empty net.

There was a fly in the ointment for Bayern when Manuel Neuer was forced off with an injury in the 58th minute and youngster Jonas Urbig made his debut in his place.

Urbig didn't have much to do for the rest of the game, however, as Nordi Mukiele put Leverkusen in an even tougher position soon after. The Frenchman was shown a second yellow card for a late challenge on fellow Frenchman Kingsley Coman.

Bayern took advantage of playing 11 against 10 to make it 3-0 in the 75th minute. The referee pointed to the spot after Harry Kane was brought down by Edmond Tapsoba, and the England international stepped up to calmly slot home to complete the scoring.

Joao Palhinha should have made it 4-0 in stoppage time after Jamal Musiala produced a brilliant piece of skill to pick out the defensive midfielder in front of goal, but his shot hit the crossbar and flew over.

The win finally ended Bayern's poor run of form against Leverkusen and puts Vincent Kompany's men in an excellent position ahead of next week's return leg.