BERLIN: Harry Kane struck twice, including a stoppage-time winner, to guide Bayern Munich to a 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday, snapping a three-game losing run in all competitions and staying eight points off leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

The embattled Bavarians, desperate to end a losing run of two consecutive Bundesliga defeats along with one in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Lazio, concluded a turbulent week on a high after having decided to part ways with coach Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season.

“We played a very good first half, but couldn’t take the lead,” Tuchel said. “The second half was a bit complicated. We scored the opener when Leipzig were strong.

“We reacted well after the equaliser. The win was good for us after three defeats in a row.”

Bayern are in second place, eight points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen, who are top on 61. Leipzig remained fifth on 40.

Kane broke the deadlock after 56 minutes, slamming a low shot into the Leipzig goal, his 26th strike in 23 games.

Leipzig, battling for a top four finish and a spot in next season’s Champions League, had two golden chances with Benjamin Sesko but both times Manuel Neuer denied the Slovenian.

The keeper was beaten in the 70th when Sesko’s shot took a slight deflection to wrong-foot him.

Kane, however, came to the rescue once more with his 27th league goal of the season, drilling in a powerful low drive to snatch the three points.

Third-placed VfB Stuttgart were held 1-1 by visiting Cologne, as Union Berlin and promoted Heidenheim also drew, 2-2, earning a point each in their fight against relegation.

Last-placed Darmstadt had two late goals ruled out by VAR and conceded an own-goal as they were held 1-1 at Werder Bremen.

Borussia Moenchengladbach thumped Boc­h­um 5-2 at home, picking up a crucial three points to move eight clear of the relegation play-off spot.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2024