Key Takeaways:
- Bayern Munich defeated Royal Union SG 2-0 to guarantee a top-eight finish in the Champions League
- Harry Kane netted twice, including a penalty, but missed a second spot-kick in the 81st minute
- Kim Min-jae was sent off with a second yellow card, but Bayern recorded their 250th European Cup/Champions League victory
Match Analysis
Bayern Munich have assured themselves of a place among the Champions League’s top eight clubs following a 2-0 home victory over Royal Union SG in the penultimate match of the main phase. The result, achieved on Wednesday evening, mathematically secures direct progression to the round of 16 for Thomas Tuchel’s side, ensuring they will, at worst, finish in fourth position in the main stage and avoid the play-off rounds this time around.
Captain Harry Kane struck in the 52nd minute to break the deadlock, heading home after a corner delivered by Michael Olise. Just three minutes later, Olise released Kane with a through ball, prompting visiting goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen to bring down the England striker in the area. Kane calmly dispatched the resulting penalty to complete his brace, notching his customary double within six minutes of the restart. Later, Kane was presented with an opportunity to claim a hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 81st minute following a VAR review, yet saw his effort crash against the crossbar.
Bayern’s control of proceedings survived a setback in the 63rd minute as Kim Min-jae received a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal, but Union SG were unable to exploit their numerical advantage. Instead, the Bavarians maintained composure to see out their 250th win in the Champions League and its predecessor, the European Cup.
🔔 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋-𝐓𝐈𝐌𝐄 🔴
Home 𝗪𝗜𝗡 ➕ UCL round of 16 𝗦𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗥𝗘𝗗 ✅ pic.twitter.com/jRXN2p9qo7
— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) January 21, 2026
Squad Updates and Tactical Changes
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern were without Konrad Laimer and Josip Stanišić, both injured, while Sacha Boey was unavailable due to illness. Nicolas Jackson was still absent after participating in Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Dayot Upamecano was a late omission due to illness, replaced by Kim Min-jae, while Raphaël Guerreiro stepped in for Hiroki Ito. Notably, Joshua Kimmich returned to the starting eleven at right-back, and Michael Olise earned a place in the attack, supplanting Serge Gnabry to start alongside Lennart Karl and Luis Díaz behind Kane. Midfield duties were entrusted to Aleksandar Pavlović and Tom Bischof.
Royal Union SG, for their part, fielded a front three of Anouar Ait El Hadj, Promis David, and Raoul Floruux.
Key Match Moments
Bayern’s intentions were clear from the start, with Harry Kane testing Scherpen within the opening minute. Union SG, nonetheless, acquitted themselves well for nearly half an hour, frustrating the hosts and creating their own chance on 29 minutes when Promis David brought a smart stop from Manuel Neuer. Bayern nearly went ahead again on the brink of half-time, only for Guerreiro to nod wide from a promising position.
The breakthrough came seven minutes after the interval, when Olise’s corner left Kane unmarked for a clinical header. The lead was doubled almost immediately as Kane converted from the spot after being fouled by Scherpen inside the area. Down to ten men after Kim Min-jae’s dismissal, Bayern had little difficulty absorbing Union SG’s attempts and continued to carve out opportunities, including the awarded penalty that Kane spurned.
Michael Olise had a chance to add further gloss to the scoreline in the dying seconds but failed to hit the target, while the Belgian visitors were unable to find a way past Neuer.
Looking Ahead
With five consecutive wins across all competitions and direct qualification to the next round secured, Bayern Munich approach their upcoming away match against PSV Eindhoven with confidence and no added pressure. Conversely, Royal Union SG remain outside the desired top 24 and must secure victory at home to Atalanta next week to keep their European campaign alive.
Head-to-Head Notes
This fixture marked the first-ever European meeting between Bayern Munich and Royal Union SG, a reflection of the Belgian side’s limited exposure to continental tournaments. Bayern continued to demonstrate formidable home form, extending their undefeated Champions League and group stage run at the Allianz Arena to 38 matches.
