Bayern Munich’s ambitions to excel in the Champions League suffered a significant setback as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Lazio.
The Bundesliga powerhouse journeyed to Rome for the first leg of their last 16 encounter, only to face disappointment.
Lazio posed a threat with their cohesive play, although Danish forward Gustav Isaksen missed several opportunities. However, it was former West Ham player Felipe Anderson who emerged as a key figure. The Brazilian winger, who represented the Hammers from 2018 to 2021, troubled the Bayern defense with his runs and ultimately set up Isaksen for the decisive moment.
As the young striker was preparing to shoot, Dayot Upamecano intervened, unintentionally colliding with the striker’s ankle. Referee Francois Letexier quickly awarded a penalty and subsequently issued a red card to the Frenchman for the challenge.
Kane attempted to reassure his teammate, but with VAR confirming the decisions, their concerns grew as Ciro Immobile prepared to take the penalty. Immobile converted from the spot, giving Lazio a first-leg advantage. Following the goal, Lazio appeared more threatening than Bayern Munich for the remainder of the match.
Following Bayern’s detrimental 3-0 loss to Bayer Leverkusen, which resulted in a five-point drop from the league’s summit, the team’s hopes for silverware this season appear increasingly distant. Kane, who has yet to secure a trophy in his professional career, saw his move to Bayern as a promising opportunity to break that streak.
With their elimination from the DFL Super Cup and DFB Pokal already confirmed, Bayern’s prospects of enduring their first trophyless season in 12 years are escalating following consecutive setbacks in the Bundesliga and Europe.