Harry Kane made history in spectacular fashion as he surpassed Wayne Rooney‘s record for most Champions League goals by an English player, netting a hat-trick of penalties and adding a fourth goal in Bayern Munich’s 9-2 demolition of Dinamo Zagreb. The England captain’s stunning performance not only cemented his place in the annals of Champions League history but also highlighted his continued dominance on the European stage since joining Bayern.
Harry Kane’s Makes History
Heading into the match, Harry Kane was one goal shy of Rooney’s record of 30 goals in the Champions League proper. The record-breaking moment came early in the first half when Kane coolly converted a penalty in the 19th minute, bringing him level with the former Manchester United star.
The 30-goal milestone stood as a symbol of Rooney’s success in European competition, but Kane’s current form suggested that it would only be a matter of time before he surpassed it. That time came in the 57th minute when Kane added his second goal of the night, once again from the penalty spot, officially eclipsing Rooney with his 31st Champions League goal.
But Kane wasn’t finished there. The England captain went on to score a third penalty, completing his hat-trick and extending his new record. In the dying moments of the game, Kane added a fourth goal with a powerful finish, taking his Champions League tally to 33 and further distancing himself from Rooney.
Bayern’s Offensive Masterclass
While Kane stole the headlines, Bayern Munich as a team were ruthless throughout the match, producing a scintillating attacking display that left Dinamo Zagreb shell-shocked. From the opening whistle, Bayern dominated possession and created a flurry of chances, consistently breaking down Zagreb’s defense with ease.
The first breakthrough came in the 12th minute, as Leroy Sané latched onto a precise pass from Joshua Kimmich and finished clinically past the Zagreb goalkeeper. This early goal set the tone for what would become a one-sided affair, with Bayern showing no mercy in front of their home crowd.
By halftime, Bayern had already raced into a 4-1 lead, with goals from Sané, Serge Gnabry, and Kane’s first penalty. Dinamo Zagreb managed to pull one back through a counterattack, but their brief moment of celebration was drowned out by Bayern’s relentless pressure.
Kane’s Hat-Trick of Penalties
The story of the night, however, was Kane’s unique hat-trick of penalties. While hat-tricks are special in any match, Kane’s achievement was even more remarkable, as he coolly slotted away three penalties without hesitation. The first penalty came after a handball in the box, which Kane confidently dispatched into the bottom corner.
His second penalty, early in the second half, came after a clumsy challenge on Jamal Musiala, and Kane stepped up once again to slot the ball past the keeper with his trademark composure. The third penalty, which completed his hat-trick, arrived just minutes later after another defensive error from Dinamo Zagreb, and Kane made no mistake in converting it to secure his treble.
This hat-trick of penalties showcased Kane’s mental strength and ability to remain calm under pressure. Each spot-kick was delivered with precision and power, leaving the Zagreb goalkeeper helpless as he watched Kane extend his lead as the top-scoring Englishman in the Champions League.
A Four-Goal Performance
As the match drew to a close, Bayern Munich continued to pile on the misery for Dinamo Zagreb. With the scoreline already at 8-2, Kane added a final flourish in the 89th minute. Lurking inside the box, Kane pounced on a loose ball after a scramble in the penalty area, firing a thunderous shot into the top corner to complete his four-goal haul.
Kane’s fourth goal was the exclamation point on a memorable night for both the player and his team. His performance was a perfect example of why Bayern Munich brought him to the club — a clinical striker with the ability to change games single-handedly.
A Record-Breaking Night for Kane
Kane’s record-breaking feat in the Champions League is a testament to his enduring quality as one of Europe’s most prolific goal scorers. He now stands as the most successful English player in the competition’s history, with 33 goals to his name — and with plenty of opportunities to add to that tally as Bayern Munich progress deeper into the tournament.
In his post-match interview, Kane expressed his pride in surpassing Rooney’s record, saying, “Wayne was a fantastic player and someone I’ve always looked up to. To surpass him in the Champions League is a great honor, but I’m not stopping here. I want to score many more goals for Bayern and help the team win trophies.”
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