BERLIN: Harry Kane again demonstrated his striker's instinct, scoring twice including a thrilling stoppage-time winner, as Bayern Munich narrowly overcame third-tier Wehen Wiesbaden 3-2. In the first round of the German Cup on Wednesday night.
Bayern got off to a fast start, fielding a rotated squad. Within seconds of start, Luis Diaz challenged Florian Stritzel in the Wiesbaden goal, prompting a series of spectacular saves. The early breakthrough came when Sacha Boey was fouled, and Kane coolly converted the penalty in the 16th minute.
The Bundesliga champions extended their advantage early after the interval when rookie Lennart Karl raced into the area and a stray ball fell favorably for Michael Olise scored his first goal in the tournament. Bayern appeared to be in complete control at that stage, as both Diaz and Raphael Guerreiro passed up chances to seal the game.
Wiesbaden, on the other hand, refused to give up. Fueled by their home fans, captain Fatih Kaya scored twice in rapid succession, first sliding in at the far post and then sprinting away. to shoot past Jonas Urbig and score a surprise equalizer. Bayern's 20-point lead had vanished, and the underdogs saw an opportunity for a surprise.
Kane had the opportunity to restore balance from the spot after being fouled, but Stritzel saved not just his penalty but also two subsequent attempts in an amazing sequence. As the timer approached overtime, the score appeared to be tied for extra time, but Bayern's record signing rose highest and headed in the winner. Josip Stanisic's cross sealed advancement.
The tourists' relief was palpable, while Wiesbaden rued how near they had come to pulling off a major surprise.
It is clear that he is resentful. Compliments to the team, we made it difficult for Bayern, and we should be proud of that. Scoring against a team like this is unique, but I would have preferred that we had gone through today, Kaya stated.
We had plenty of opportunity, but Wiesbaden had two important moments. In the end, the most important thing is that we made it through. We remained calm, won the game, and that demonstrates our talent. According to Bayern defender Konrad Laimer, the cup's first round is never simple.
