BERLIN:
Harry Kane missed a penalty however Bayern Munich beat Wolfsburg 1-0 on Saturday as RB Leipzig sealed Champions League qualification on a dramatic day within the Bundesliga’s race for Europe.
Affected by the hangover of their Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, Bayern wanted a second-half wonder-goal from Michael Olise to get previous relegation-threatened Wolfsburg.
The hosts recorded 15 photographs earlier than the break however have been repeatedly denied by the heroics of Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig.
Bayern’s finest likelihood within the first half got here from the penalty spot after Olise was fouled within the field, however Kane despatched his spotkick excessive and vast after showing to slide in his remaining stride.
It was the third time Kane has missed a penalty for Bayern this season, having beforehand scored 22 in a row between 2022 and 2025.
“With Harry you might be usually fairly positive he’s going to attain, however I suppose he’s additionally allowed to overlook one generally,” Bayern midfielder Tom Bischof informed Sky.
Video footage confirmed a Wolfsburg participant had intentionally churned up the turf across the penalty spot prematurely, however Bayern coach Vincent Kompany mentioned it was “regular”.
“What do you anticipate the Wolfsburg gamers to do? Simply congratulate us once we rating objectives and get relegated with out giving all the things?” mentioned Kompany.
Olise spared Bayern’s blushes early within the second half when he curled a surprising end into the highest nook from the sting of the realm.
Mattias Svanberg had a golden likelihood to equalise for Wolfsburg late on, however hit the submit from point-blank vary.
The defeat leaves Wolfsburg third from backside within the relegation play-off place, which they’ll hope to defend in a winner-takes-all conflict with fellow strugglers St. Pauli on the ultimate day.
St. Pauli are second from backside after they misplaced 2-1 away to RB Leipzig earlier Saturday.
The Hamburg facet had scored simply 4 objectives of their earlier eight video games, and so they have been left to rue missed possibilities but once more in Leipzig.
The guests squandered a number of possibilities on the counter-attack earlier than Xaver Schlager hooked the ball in at a nook to offer Leipzig the lead simply earlier than half time.
Willi Orban doubled the lead with an excellent header after the break, earlier than Abdoulie Ceesay grabbed a late comfort for the guests.
The win noticed Leipzig safe third spot behind Bayern and Borussia Dortmund and a spot within the Champions League subsequent season.
“We have been underneath a number of stress this season, however we’re an ideal group and we rose to it,” Leipzig’s captain David Raum mentioned.
“Now we have achieved our aim now, so let’s all have a drink and occasion all evening lengthy.”
Stuttgart lead race for fourth
Stuttgart now lead the race for the fourth and remaining Champions League spot after touchdown an important 3-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.
Sebastian Hoeness’ facet bounced again after a nightmare begin, as Leverkusen took the lead with a smash-and-grab aim after simply 34 seconds.
Centre-back Ramon Hendriks misplaced the ball on the midway line, offering the guests with a free run at aim and Aleix Garcia with a simple tap-in.
Stuttgart levelled the scores simply 5 minutes later, nonetheless, Ermedin Demirovic smashing the ball in after a wise passing transfer within the field.
Demirovic was then tripped within the field on the stroke of half-time and Maximilian Mittelstädt put the hosts in entrance with a cool chipped penalty.
Stuttgart took management after the break, Deniz Undav sealing the win with an inventive end after Demirovic had a aim dominated out for offside.
The consequence leaves Leverkusen three factors adrift of the Champions League spots in sixth behind Stuttgart and Hoffenheim.
Hoffenheim stay degree on factors with Stuttgart in fifth after they beat ten-man Werder Bremen 1-0.
Bremen’s Yukinari Sugawara was despatched off early on for a harmful problem on Bazoumana Toure, who scored Hoffenheim’s winner 20 minutes later.
Elsewhere, Augsburg saved their hopes of European qualification alive with a 3-1 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach.
A brace for Michael Gregoritsch and a uncommon aim for defender Robin Fellhauer noticed Augsburg take a 3-0 lead earlier than Giovanni Reyna pulled one again for Gladbach late within the sport.
