Bayern takes control as Kane sinks Real Madrid

Bayern's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer heads the ball to save before Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, left, can score during the Champions League quarterfinal first leg soccer match between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in Madrid, Spain. (AP)

MADRID, April 8 (AP): Harry Kane delivered for Bayern Munich on his return from injury, scoring a goal and helping set up another in his team's 2-1 win at Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals.

Kylian Mbappé scored Madrid's goal after the visitors had taken a two-goal lead at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer came up big for Bayern with several key saves to keep the German champions with the first-leg edge.

Kane had been listed as a game-day decision after missing the team’s Bundesliga match last weekend because of an ankle injury.

"We knew that coming to Madrid and trying to get a result is always difficult," Kane told TNT Sports. "We played some really good stuff, and we could have done even better - maybe the final ball, the final finish, we had some good chances. But credit to Madrid as well.”

The result left Bayern with an edge ahead of the second leg in Germany next week as it tries to reach the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2023-24, when it was eliminated by eventual champion Madrid.

Madrid and Bayern are playing their sixth knockout-stage meeting in 14 seasons, with the Spanish powerhouse having won four of their five two-leg matchups since the 2011-12 season.

Kane participated in the build-up of Bayern’s first goal in the 41st minute, exchanging passes with Serge Gnabry, who ultimately fed a through ball for Luis Díaz inside the area. The Colombian forward calmly sent a low shot past Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

Kane scored himself in the 46th with a nice one-timer from the top of the area, firmly finding the corner with a low strike. It was his 11th Champions League goal, equaling his best scoring season in the European tournament. He finished with 11 goals in 2024-25.

Kane has scored 22 Champions League goals since the start of the 2024-25 season, the most of anybody.

Mbappé scored his 20th Champions League goal since the start of the 2024-25 season in the 74th, finding the net from close range after a pinpoint low cross by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

A second straight Champions League semifinal is in sight for Arsenal.

Kai Havertz scored in stoppage time to seal a 1-0 win over Sporting Lisbon at Estadio Jose Alvalade to put Mikel Arteta's team in control of the quarterfinal tie.