Bayern Munich extended its advantage in the Bundesliga standings, holding a nine-point lead, following an exhilarating 4-3 triumph over Holstein Kiel.
Bayern took a commanding 4-0 lead, with Harry Kane netting twice. However, Finn Porath responded for Kiel, and Steven Skrzybski’s stoppage-time double nearly secured an unexpected draw.
As the final whistle blew, a sense of relief swept through the Allianz Arena.
“Winning 4-3 here doesn’t satisfy us,” said Jamal Musiala, the scorer of Bayern’s opening goal, to Sky Sport. “We need to maintain a strong mentality for the entire 90 minutes and prevent conceding goals.”
Bayern’s nearest title contenders, Bayer Leverkusen, faced off against Hoffenheim today, allowing Kompany’s squad to seize the opportunity to extend their lead over the reigning champions.
In the 19th minute, the Bavarians took the lead as Musiala capped off a stunning team play. The sequence featured a swift exchange of passes between Joshua Kimmich, Michael Olise, and ultimately Musiala, who netted his 10th league goal of the season.
Kiel was nearing the half-time break, trailing by just one goal. However, Bayern delivered a decisive strike with under a minute remaining in stoppage time.
Kingsley Coman outmaneuvered his defender on the left and delivered a perfect cross to Kane, who quickly headed it in from close range. Kane struck again in the opening minute of the second half, nodding in Raphael Guerreiro’s precise cross.
Kane notched his 55th league goal in 50 matches, setting yet another Bundesliga scoring record for the England captain.
“To have 55 in 50 is a proud feeling, but as always with me, it’s about the next 50 games and seeing how many more I can get,” said Kane.
Serge Gnabry showcased his skill, expertly controlling a high ball with his right foot before volleying it in with his left to score a remarkable goal.
Kiel responded with a masterfully executed strike by Porath, which appeared to be a consolation, even as the fourth official announced five extra minutes.
Skrzybski’s late brace almost stunned Bayern, yet the hosts crossed the finish line as battered winners.
Dortmund won before Kovac began.
Borussia Dortmund secured a narrow 2-1 win against struggling Heidenheim in their last match before Niko Kovac stepped in as head coach after Nuri Sahin’s recent departure.
Dortmund took the lead when Heidenheim failed to clear a corner, allowing Serhou Guirassy to score from close range.
The Guinean striker netted his fifth goal in four games, following a brace in the midweek Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Heidenheim entered the match without a victory in their last 14 league matches, sitting in the relegation play-off spot.
The match stayed competitive until the 60th minute when Ramy Bensebaini sent in a precise low cross from the left, allowing substitute Max Beier to convert a challenging finish effortlessly.
Dortmund became their worst enemies, allowing Mathias Honsak to halve their lead just 18 seconds after the restart.
However, Dortmund stood firm and endured late pressure to secure their first league victory since December 22, breaking a four-game winless run in the Bundesliga.
In other matches yesterday, German international Tim Kleindienst netted a decisive late goal for Borussia Moenchengladbach, securing a 2-1 victory over Stuttgart.
Gladbach led when Nathan N’Goumou rifled into the roof of the net, but Nico Elvedi’s own goal soon after the break leveled the contest.
