FC Bayern Munich advanced to the Champions League knockout stage Tuesday, overcoming a stubborn Union Saint-Gilloise side with a 2-0 victory at Allianz Arena. A brace from Harry Kane proved the difference for the Bundesliga champions, solidifying their position in the Round of 16 and extending their unbeaten run in the competition to six matches. Despite a late red card to Kim and a missed penalty by Kane, Bayern secured the result in a match played before a crowd of 75,000, marking their first clean sheet of 2026.
FC Bayern Munich secured their place in the Champions League knockout stage with a 2-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday, despite a late red card and a missed penalty. The win ensures Bayern will be among the top 16 teams in Europe’s premier club competition, continuing their strong run in the tournament.
The German giants initially struggled to break down the Belgian side, but Harry Kane’s brace ultimately proved decisive. Kim saw a straight red card in the 63rd minute, adding a dramatic turn to the match.
Bayern Faced Early Resistance
Bayern Munich came out firing, with early chances for Harry Kane in the 2nd and 4th minutes, both thwarted by Union Saint-Gilloise goalkeeper Anthony Scherpen.
Despite the early pressure, Bayern found themselves frustrated by a resilient Union Saint-Gilloise defense. The Belgian side limited Bayern’s space and the German champions lacked their usual sharpness in the final third.
Union Saint-Gilloise threatened on the counter, with a dangerous free kick in the 20th minute. Shortly after, David had a clear opportunity to open the scoring, but his header was well-saved by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the 29th minute.
Kane expressed his frustration before halftime, as Guerreiro intercepted a pass intended for him, denying a promising headed chance in the 40th minute.
Kane Breaks the Deadlock
Bayern finally found the breakthrough shortly after the restart. Harry Kane headed home from an Olise corner in the 52nd minute to give his side the lead.
Just two minutes later, Kane doubled the advantage. He was brought down in the box by Scherpen, earning a penalty, which he calmly converted in the 55th minute.
The match then became increasingly physical. Olise received a yellow card in the 58th minute, before Kim was sent off with a straight red card for a foul on ÖFB-Legionär Florucz in the 63rd minute. David then received a yellow card for a hard foul on Olise in the 66th minute.
Bayern regained control in the closing stages and were awarded another penalty in the 81st minute for a handball. Kane stepped up to take it, but his effort struck the crossbar.
Despite the missed penalty, Bayern held on for a 2-0 victory, securing their spot in the Champions League Round of 16. It marked their first clean sheet of the new year. Union Saint-Gilloise currently sits in 31st place and faces an uphill battle to qualify for the top 24.
