Bayern & Kane still a class act
FAIR play to the television director, no sooner had Bukayo Saka persuaded a left-foot shot to duck inside Manuel Neuer’s right-hand post, the shot on your screen at home was of Harry Kane’s glum face.
Mind you, Harry was no glummer than Eric Dier (below), who had stood, watched and pretty much invited Saka to open the evening’s scoring.
“Eric Dier, you’ve always been not very good,” sang a congregation composed exclusively of Arsenal supporters.
Well, lyrics to that effect anyway.
As far as the TV man or woman was concerned, it could have been the first chapter of a story that ended with the two Englishmen and former Tottenham players being tormented in a familiar part of the world.
And one, in particular, wondering why on earth he had left the selfacclaimed best football league in the world, the Premier League described as the envy of the world by its chief executive only a few hours ahead of kick-off at the Emirates and at the Bernabeu.
The Premier League’s two flag-bearers might well set up a Champions League semi-final meeting but this was a night that at least provided the odd gentle reminder to the English club game that a commercial chasm does not necessarily mean a gulf in quality.
Always remember, Real Madrid and Bayern
Munich remain superpowers. That is why Jude Bellingham chose to go to Spain and that is why Kane (above) chose to go to Germany.
That Kane is not going to be collecting a Bundesliga winner’s medal at the end of his first season with Bayern is unfortunate but even the strongest clubs can underperform in a single domestic season.
Take Liverpool, for example.
Kane joined Bayern because of their pedigree, because of their stature, because of their history.
And while their Bundesliga form will not have been to his liking, Bayern demonstrated that pedigree in this enthralling contest.
After the Saka strike, there is no doubt many inside the Emirates expected Thomas Tuchel’s team to simply capitulate.
This is the home of the leaders of the best sporting competition on the planet, don’t forget.
But while they have often failed to click under Tuchel, this is a Bayern side with a plethora of quality individuals.
Leroy Sane – another who had the temerity to walk away from the Premier League – was a high-speed menace for an hour while Joshua Kimmich was his customary accomplished self.
There is a defensive vulnerability about them, which resurfaced in the raucous ending to the match.
But they have too much class in too many positions to be underestimated – and most of this match proved it.
And none, of course, are classier than Kane. That is why his face is never glum for long.