Bayern Munich Edge PSV 2-1 in Dramatic Late Show: Musiala and Kane Seal Second-Place Finish in Champions League League Phase

Bayern Munich secured a crucial victory last night in the UEFA Champions League league phase, defeating PSV Eindhoven 2-1 away at the Philips Stadion on January 28, 2026. This hard-fought win allowed Vincent Kompany's side to finish second in the 36-team standings with 21 points from eight matches (seven wins, one loss), earning them automatic qualification to the round of 16 with home advantage in at least the first knockout leg.

The match was tense from the start, as PSV, fighting to stay in European competition, pushed hard but couldn't break through in a goalless first half despite creating chances. Bayern, coming off a shock 2-1 Bundesliga home defeat to Augsburg days earlier—their first league loss in 27 games—showed resilience and rotation in their lineup.

The breakthrough arrived in the 58th minute when Jamal Musiala, making his first start since July following injury recovery, marked his return with a clinical finish. Musiala combined beautifully with young talents like Tom Bischof and Lennart Karl, slotting home to give Bayern the lead and ignite celebrations among the traveling fans.

PSV responded strongly, equalizing in the 78th minute through Ismael Saibari's superb strike on his birthday, sending the home crowd into ecstasy and momentarily threatening Bayern's position. However, Bayern's quality shone through late on. Harry Kane, who started on the bench for the first time in a while, entered as a substitute and delivered the decisive blow in the 84th minute. Kane calmly converted to restore the lead, securing his 35th goal of the season and sealing the three points.

A late red card to PSV's Mauro Júnior in stoppage time (90'+4) compounded the hosts' misery, ensuring Bayern saw out the victory comfortably. The result not only knocked PSV out of the Champions League but highlighted Bayern's mentality under Kompany—bouncing back from domestic disappointment with composure in Europe.

Key performers included Musiala, whose goal and energy were pivotal on his comeback, and Kane, whose impact off the bench proved match-winning. Goalkeeper Jonas Urbig earned praise for solid contributions in a rotated side, while the team's versatility was evident throughout.

This triumph caps a strong league phase for Bayern, with their only blemish a 3-1 loss to table-toppers Arsenal. Finishing second behind Arsenal guarantees favorable draws and home legs early in the knockouts, positioning them well for another deep run in Europe's premier club competition.