Bayern's Harry Kane (center) scores his side's second goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and Stuttgart in Munich, Germany, Dec 17, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)
BERLIN - If Harry Kane's dreams about reaching the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League final at Wembley on June 1 come true, Kane and his Bayern Munich would go wild with joy.
The 30-year-old Three Lions captain's chances to experience a final in the UK seem alive after the draw for the last-16 round.
While Lazio isn't seen as an unbeatable opponent, Bayern Munich's top scorer continues to ride the wave in the German national league having scored his 20th goal in 14 games.
Aside from three assists, four goals in six group encounters might complete the story of success currently surrounding the Englishman.
While Kane became a record-setting scorer for Bayern, the Bavarians underlined their status as one of this season's campaign favorites by delivering their 40th unbeaten group game.
This Monday's draw in the UEFA headquarters in Nyon/Switzerland came along with a manageable task for Borussia Dortmund after having survived their "death group" with Paris, Milan, and Newcastle.
Bayern's Harry Kane (left) is challenged by Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes during the group A Champions League soccer match between Manchester United and Bayern Munich at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, on Dec 12, 2023. (PHOTO / AP)
The Black and Yellows are to meet their former coach Peter Bosz and the Dutch side of PSV Eindhoven in the first round of the knock-out stage. Bosz was in charge of the German side from July to December in 2017.
Enthusiasm remains in limited borders for Germany's third knock-out stage participant RB Leipzig as the East-German side is facing no one less than Spanish giant Real in mid-February and beginning of March 2024.
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Remembering the team's curious performances last season against Real might help keep spirits high as RB lost the first duel 2-0 but achieved a 3-2 win in the second clash. "We face one of the biggest challenges in this campaign but you always have a chance in two games," RB coach Marco Rose stated.
While Dortmund's last duel with PSV in the 2002/03 season (4-2) seems a thing of the past, Bayern might take confidence out of the 2020/221 season when beating their Italian opponent 6-2 in aggregate.
Bayern didn't lose one of the last 12 duels against Italian clubs and remains the big favorites in 2024.
Nantes' French goalkeeper #01 Alban Lafont (front) dives as Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #29 Bradley Barcola (R) scores a goal during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Nantes at the Parc des Princes stadium on Dec 9, 2023 in Paris. (PHOTO / AFP)
BVB coach Edin Terzic spoke about PSV's currently perfect season in the Dutch league crowned by 16 wins in 16 games but said: "We have a great chance to get to the next round but know that is a hard nut to crack to face them in their home arena."
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl said it's the club's goal to get to the last eight round for the first time since the 2020/21 season.
Bayern keeper Manuel Neuer called Bayern the favorite and mentioned positive feelings when it comes to duels with Italian teams.
Striker icon Thomas Muller said: "Lazio has delivered a good job by reaching the knock-out stage. We are looking forward to atmospheric but challenging games."
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Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel spoke about a manageable task but mentioned Lazio's vast international experience. "It's our declared goal to get to the next round and achieve a good result in the first leg," the 50-year-old said.
