Harry Kane stands one goal away from a piece of Champions League history. The Bayern Munich striker has scored in each of his last ten appearances in the competition, and if he finds the net at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night he will equal Cristiano Ronaldo's record of scoring in 11 successive games.
It is a streak that puts Kane in the most exclusive company in European football. According to UEFA, he is only the second player ever to score in ten straight Champions League matches, moving clear of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Robert Lewandowski, who both reached nine. Ronaldo stands alone above him — for now.
The record in his sights
Ronaldo's run remains the benchmark. It began with two goals in Real Madrid's 4-1 win over Juventus in the 2017 final, continued through all six group games in 2017-18 and both legs of the ties against Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus. In total, Ronaldo scored 17 times across those 11 matches.
Kane's tenth came on Matchday 3 against Arsenal, and Tuesday's trip to the Metropolitano is his first chance to draw level. The setting could hardly be harder: Atletico have faced Bayern eight times in this competition, and Diego Simeone's side are built to frustrate exactly the kind of striker Kane is — physical, patient and happy to defend their box for long spells.
Kane arrives in Madrid as the newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner, a prize he sealed ahead of Kylian Mbappe by a 28-point Ballon d'Or margin last week. His 61 goals in all competitions last season were 19 more than any other player in Europe's top five leagues, and the most by anyone in a season since Ronaldo himself scored 61 for Real Madrid in 2014-15.
Simeone knows what is coming
Simeone was in no mood to play down the threat on Monday. Speaking ahead of the game, via SoccerNews, the Atletico coach called Kane "incredible" and congratulated him on a Ballon d'Or he said was deservedly earned.
"He's an incredible player; I've always admired him," Simeone said. "I have no doubt about his growth and development, which has led him to play at the highest levels without ever losing his scoring touch. He's a true goalscorer, and I congratulate him on his talent because it improves football and inspires young players."
Simeone, who this past weekend equalled Luis Aragones' record of 344 La Liga wins as Atletico coach, was honest about the task. "We're up against a powerful, strong team, and we'll have to face some tough moments," he added. "We'll have to take the game to where we think we can hurt them."
Atletico will have to do it without the suspended Morten Hjulmand and the injured Johnny Cardoso, with captain Koke a doubt. Bayern's own injury crisis remains severe — Luis Diaz, Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala and Ismael Saibari are all out, with Manuel Neuer and Michael Olise doubtful — which makes Kane's role even bigger. With so much creativity missing, Bayern's chances in Madrid may rest on their No.9 converting the one clear opening that comes his way.
So what does it mean?
A goal on Tuesday does more than add a line to Kane's record collection. Bayern have made a mixed start to the league phase and travel to one of Europe's most difficult away grounds short of attackers; a Kane strike that earns a result in Madrid would steady their campaign and put the knockout rounds firmly in reach.
It would also set up an even bigger night next time out. Equal Ronaldo in Madrid, and Kane would go into Bayern's following Champions League game with the chance to take the record outright — something no player, not even Lewandowski in his Bayern pomp, has managed.
For Atletico, keeping Kane quiet is both a defensive test and a statement. Stop the Ballon d'Or winner on a night when history is on the line, and Simeone's side will have shown they can still shut out the very best.
Beyond the Final Whistle: Ronaldo's records are supposed to be untouchable — that is what makes this run so remarkable. Kane is not chasing a footnote; he is one finish in Madrid away from standing level with the greatest Champions League scorer of all time, in the city where Ronaldo built that legacy. If he scores on Tuesday, the conversation about Kane's place among the all-time greats changes for good. Will Kane equal Ronaldo's record at the Metropolitano, or will Simeone's Atletico keep him out? Let us know in the comments.
