Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has tipped Paris Saint-Germain as slight favorites to lift the Champions League trophy when they face Arsenal in the final later this month.
The England captain endured another heartbreaking semi-final exit on Wednesday night at the Allianz Arena, where his stoppage-time goal—a composed turn and clinical finish past Matvey Safonov in the 93rd minute—briefly reignited Bayern's hopes before falling short in a 6-5 aggregate defeat.
"It's tough," Kane admitted after the match. "We had enough chances today to reach the final." Despite dominating possession and registering 18 shots, Bayern couldn't break down a PSG side that defended with the composure of champions. Kane was expertly marshalled by William Pacho and Marquinhos for long stretches, only finding space when it was too late to change the outcome.
This marks the second time in eight days that Kane has left a Champions League semi-final having given his all, only to come up short. But the striker, characteristically gracious in defeat, quickly shifted his focus. "Now my focus is on the DFB-Pokal final. We have the chance to win the double."
Looking ahead to the May 30 final in Budapest, Kane was measured but clear in his assessment. "PSG are the slight favourites," he said. The reigning champions will face Premier League leaders Arsenal, aiming to become the first team to retain the title since Real Madrid.
PSG's path to the final has been nothing short of spectacular: a commanding 4-0 aggregate win over Liverpool, a stunning 8-2 demolition of Chelsea, and now this dramatic 6-5 triumph over Bayern in what many are calling one of the greatest semi-final ties in modern Champions League history.
