Harry Kane’s celebratory night following his Ballon d’Or victory ended on a frustrating note, after he missed a penalty and hit the woodwork, as Bayern Munich were held to a draw by Borussia Dortmund in a thrilling Der Klassiker in the Bundesliga.
The Matchday 8 encounter at the Allianz Arena ended 2-2, marking the English striker’s first appearance since claiming the prestigious award, amidst grand pre-match festivities organized by the club.
Bayern honored their star player in front of a sold-out crowd of 75,000 spectators, in the presence of his family and club executives, as he walked onto the pitch displaying the Ballon d’Or trophy to resounding cheers. A golden banner featuring his image was unveiled at center pitch while stadium screens broadcasted highlights from the London ceremony. Addressing the fans, Kane said: “I am extremely proud to be a Bayern player. I hope we can win many more trophies together.”
However, the mood shifted once the action began. Michael Olise struck the post in the 10th minute before Konrad Laimer opened the scoring for Bayern in the 38th minute, turning in his own rebound after Gregor Kobel saved his initial effort.
The hosts were presented with a golden opportunity to double their lead when a penalty was awarded for a handball against Felix Nmecha, but Kane struck his 56th-minute spot-kick against the crossbar. Serhou Guirassy punished the Bavarian side just four minutes later, slotting home the equalizer.
Determined to make amends, the newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner set up Bayern’s second goal with a header that assisted Dayot Upamecano in the 66th minute, though Kane was denied by the post once more in the 75th minute.
As Bayern neared a dramatic victory, Dortmund punished them for their squandered chances once again, with substitute Fábio Silva capitalizing on a loose ball inside the penalty box to curl it into the far corner, snatching an 89th-minute equalizer.
The drama continued in stoppage time when Lennart Karl hit the crossbar with a powerful strike, bringing Bayern’s tally of woodworks hit during the match to four, and leaving Kane without a goal on his night of celebration.
Both sides raised their tally to 18 points, with Bayern provisionally retaining their advantage on goal difference as both teams remain unbeaten. Up next, the Bavarian side faces a tough away trip to take on Atlético Madrid in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.
