Bayern Munich, alongside Harry Kane, travels to Inter Milan on Wednesday in pursuit of a crucial victory that would propel them into the Champions League semi-finals and keep their hopes of a home final alive.
Following their 2-1 triumph in Munich, Inter holds a strong position to reach the Champions League semi-finals for the second time in three years.
Despite facing a lengthy injury roster, Bayern created ample opportunities in the first leg but failed to translate their dominance into goals.
This has unfortunately become a recurring theme for the German powerhouse, particularly for their star striker Kane.
Just 25 minutes into the match, Kane narrowly missed, striking the outside of the post from mere five metres out with only Inter’s goalkeeper Yann Sommer to beat.
In Saturday’s 2-2 draw against rivals Borussia Dortmund, Vincent Kompany’s men were similarly profligate, wasting numerous chances.
If Bayern aims to secure a spot in the Champions League final at their Allianz Arena in late May, Kane and the attacking unit must rediscover their cutting edge.
‘There When It Matters’
In their last two encounters, Bayern has netted just three goals from 46 attempts on goal.
They will be without goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and defenders Dayot Upamecano, Hiroki Ito, and Alphonso Davies for the crucial trip to Milan, significantly weakening their backline. Midfield maestro Jamal Musiala will also miss out.
Central defender Kim Min-jae, who faced criticism after an error led to Dortmund’s opening goal on Saturday, is managing an Achilles issue but is expected to play on Wednesday.
In the match against Dortmund, Bayern ended with only one fully fit centre-back on the pitch: seasoned veteran Eric Dier.
Given their defensive struggles, the importance of converting chances becomes even more pressing.
Prior to this, Bayern and Kane had little difficulty in the Round of 16 against Bayer Leverkusen, with Kane scoring three goals throughout the two-legged tie.
The 31-year-old has tallied 10 goals in 12 matches this Champions League season.
Kane remarked to reporters on Saturday that his team was “dominant” but “a bit wasteful with our chances” against Dortmund, as they had been against Inter in Munich.
“We simply need to be more clinical. On another day, we could have scored three or four against them (Inter).
“This gives us confidence because we know we can create chances against them,” Kane stated, adding “it’s about being there at the right moments.
“We lacked that in the previous two matches, so hopefully we can correct that on Wednesday.”
Bayern ‘Don’t Need a Miracle’
Bayern is chasing the dream of winning the title at home, hoping to lay to rest the memories of their final defeat to Chelsea in Munich back in 2012.
Joshua Kimmich, who is often relied upon to guide the team in Neuer’s absence, noted that “if we are a bit more efficient, the game can go in our favour.
“It’s not as if we need a miracle. We just need to win the game.”
To secure advancement to the semi-finals, Bayern must achieve a two-goal victory or a one-goal win followed by a success in the penalty shootout.
The Bavarians are not alone in struggling to score against Simone Inzaghi’s side this season.
Thomas Müller’s 85th-minute tap-in last Tuesday was only the third goal Inter have conceded in 11 Champions League encounters this season.
After their 3-1 victory over Cagliari on Saturday, Inzaghi commented on Wednesday’s second leg, saying, “We need to replicate our first-leg performance, playing with pace, aggression, and discipline.
“We approach this match with a great deal of confidence, taking on one of the top three or four teams in the world.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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