Bayern Munich booked their place in the top eight of the UEFA Champions League league phase with a match to spare after a 2–0 victory over Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, leaving the Belgian side’s slim play-off hopes hanging on the final matchday.

Despite being widely expected to cruise to victory, Bayern struggled to impose themselves early on, perhaps unsettled by the absence of their ultras, who were barred from attending due to a UEFA ban for pyrotechnic use. The hosts lacked their usual intensity, and clear chances were at a premium during a subdued opening half-hour.

Harry Kane came closest for Bayern before the break, but Union goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen produced a sharp close-range save to deny the England captain. At the other end, the visitors arguably looked more dangerous. Kevin Mac Allister narrowly missed connecting with a teasing free-kick delivery, before Promise David rose unchallenged to meet a cross, only for Manuel Neuer to pull off an excellent save and keep the scores level.

Although Bayern gradually regained control of possession, they were blunt in the final third and went into half-time deservedly without a goal. However, a goalless draw was unlikely to last. Bayern had drawn just once in Champions League group-stage action since 2009, and they emerged after the interval with far greater purpose.

The breakthrough arrived when Michael Olise’s near-post corner was cleverly flicked in by Kane, ending the striker’s three-match Champions League goal drought. Momentum swung decisively moments later, as Kane was brought down while rounding Scherpen and calmly converted the resulting penalty to double Bayern’s lead within three minutes.

Any lingering nerves briefly resurfaced when Kim Min-jae was sent off for a second yellow card after pulling down Raúl Florucz off the ball. Even so, Bayern quickly reasserted their authority and continued to dictate proceedings.

The hosts were handed another penalty late on when Kamiel Van de Perre handled the ball during a sliding challenge, but Kane struck the crossbar in his attempt to complete a hat-trick, marking only his second miss from 14 Champions League spot-kicks.

Union were unable to capitalise on their numerical advantage and faded in the closing stages, escaping further punishment when Michael Olise lifted his effort over the bar after being played through by Luis Díaz.

Despite an uneasy start, Bayern extended their unbeaten home run in the Champions League league phase and group stages, which now stretches back to 2013, and progressed directly to the knockout rounds. Union, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to continue their first-ever Champions League campaign, especially with a daunting final fixture against Atalanta still to come.