Bayern edge past stubborn Elversberg after Kane seals 2-1 victory

Bayern Munich secured their second Bundesliga victory of the season on Sunday as Harry Kane’s second-half goal earned them a hard-fought 2-1 win away to a stubborn Elversberg side.

Harry Kane celebrates scoring Bayern’s winner vs. Elversberg

Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images

The reigning champions made a positive start at the Ursapharm-Arena and took the lead in the 26th minute. Lennart Karl finished off a Bayern attack to put the visitors 1-0 ahead, with Ismael Saibari providing the assist.

Elversberg responded well to falling behind and threatened to level before the break. The hosts had the ball in the net after Cole Campbell raced through on goal and calmly finished past Jonas Urbig, but the effort was ruled out for offside following a VAR check.

Bayern therefore took their narrow advantage into half-time, but Elversberg continued to pose a threat after the restart. The hosts eventually got their reward in the 61st minute when former Bayern player Maurice Krattenmacher produced an excellent curling finish from distance to make it 1-1.

The equaliser prompted Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany to turn to his bench, with Jamal Musiala, Luis Díaz, Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich all introduced as the visitors looked to regain control.

Bayern’s changes soon had the desired effect. In the 72nd minute, Michael Olise combined with Aleksandar Pavlovic before the midfielder found Kane inside the penalty area. The England captain kept his composure to finish and put Bayern back in front at 2-1 whilst netting his first Bundesliga goal of the campaign. 

Elversberg continued to push for another equaliser in the closing stages, refusing to let their impressive performance against the champions go to waste. Noel Futkeu came close after being played through by Darvich, but his effort went wide.

Bayern also had opportunities to put the result beyond doubt. Kane saw a header saved by Nicolas Kristof, while Kimmich saw a swirling effort from outside the area saved magnificently as the visitors searched for a third goal.

Elversberg ultimately could not find another response, however, as Bayern held on for a 2-1 victory. The hosts will take plenty of encouragement from their performance against the reigning champions, while Bayern leave with all three points after overcoming a determined Elversberg side despite not being at their usual best.