Vincent Kompany has praised Bayern Munich after a 2-0 Champions League win over Union Saint-Gilloise secured automatic qualification for the last 16.
Speaking after the match at the Allianz Arena, Kompany was clear about where the game was won. “I feel we definitely stepped things up after half-time,” he said. “The team reacted well again. It wasn’t enough in the first half, but much better after that. We kept a clean sheet and that matters too.”
Bayern found the opening period difficult against a lively and well-organised Union side, struggling to play with their usual speed and accuracy. Manuel Neuer admitted the hosts were below their best before the break. “Things weren’t easy for us in the first half,” the captain said. “We weren’t playing cleanly or quickly enough. In the second half, we shifted up a gear, showed who we are and deserved to win.”
The breakthrough arrived soon after the restart, with Harry Kane converting from close range before adding a second from the penalty spot just minutes later.
The England captain was named Player of the Match and stressed the importance of the result. “That was an important win,” Kane said. “We were sloppy in the first half, but at half-time we knew we had to come out with more intensity, and we did.”
Bayern’s task became more complicated when they were reduced to ten men in the second half, but they remained in control and limited Union’s chances. Kane later missed the chance to complete his hat-trick when another penalty struck the crossbar, but the outcome was never in serious doubt.
“We didn’t manage to qualify this early last year and it made February very busy,” Kane added. “So we’re proud to have secured qualification. We’ve got one game left and want to finish as high as possible.”
The win keeps Bayern’s long unbeaten home run in the Champions League intact and confirms their place in the knockout stage, while Union Saint-Gilloise must wait until the final matchday to see if their European campaign can continue.
