Bayern Munich have secured their place in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League league phase after a 2-0 victory over Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, leaving the Belgian side’s hopes of play-off qualification dependent on the final matchday.
Bayern faced a challenging start, partly due to the absence of their ultras following a UEFA ban on pyrotechnics. Union had the first clear opportunities, with Kevin Mac Allister and Promise David testing Manuel Neuer before the break. Harry Kane broke the deadlock in the second half, finishing off a Michael Olise corner and converting a penalty three minutes later after being fouled in the area.
Union briefly gained momentum when Bayern’s Kim Min-jae was sent off for a second yellow card, but Bayern maintained control. Another penalty in the closing stages went wide, denying Kane a hat-trick. Bayern remain unbeaten at home in UCL group stage matches since 2013 and will progress directly to the knockout rounds. Union, on the other hand, face a difficult task to advance, with Atalanta awaiting in their final group game.
