MADRID — Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane practiced on Monday and is anticipated to be fit for the Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid on Tuesday.
Kane did not participate in the Bundesliga victory over Freiburg on Saturday due to a minor ankle injury he collected while training with England last week. He was also absent from England’s March friendlies – a 1-1 draw with Uruguay and a 1-0 loss to Japan.
Kane took part in training in Munich before the team departed for Madrid for Tuesday’s match at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Bayern coach Vincent Kompany stated he would make a final decision on Kane’s involvement on gameday. “It was important that he trained well today,” Kompany remarked. “I don’t think he’s lost his rhythm. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow.”
“We have a strong squad and we’re prepared for the two matches,” he added.
Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior praised Kane in a press conference prior to the matchup. “He is a goal scorer and an exceptional player,” Vinícius stated. “However, Bayern is a formidable team with many players who can switch positions, making it challenging for us. No matter who plays, it will be tough.”
Bayern defender Joshua Kimmich emphasized Kane’s significance to the team. “He’s not just a finisher; he’s a true leader and a role model. His mindset is unique for an attacking player,” Kimmich said. “If he takes the field, his leadership will be crucial.”
Bayern advanced past Atalanta in the last 16, while Madrid overcame Manchester City.
“We’ve prepared for Madrid and analyzed their game against Man City,” Kompany noted. “It’s possibly the toughest away fixture, but we are determined to win.”
This matchup marks the sixth time in 14 years that Bayern and Madrid are facing off in the knockout stage. Madrid has achieved victory in four of their past two-legged encounters since the 2011-12 season, including once in the quarterfinals and three times in the semifinals, the most recent being in 2024.
Bayern triumphed in the 2012 semifinals after a penalty shootout.
“Bayern is an incredible team,” judged Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa. “We respect them greatly. They are having an outstanding season, and they’ve been the most consistent team in Europe this year. They are relentless, aggressive, and well-organized defensively, with a phenomenal striker in Harry Kane.”
Bayern is on a 13-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, boasting 11 wins, while Madrid is coming off a 2-1 defeat to Mallorca on Saturday, which has hindered their LaLiga title aspirations.
“We do not contemplate a scenario of not winning this tie; our focus is solely on defeating Bayern and progressing,” Arbeloa affirmed. “That’s our only aim and belief.”
Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.