Madrid the Toughest Test, Kompany Awaits Final Call on Harry Kane Fitness

Kuala Lumpur – Vincent Kompany has confirmed he will wait until matchday to decide whether Harry Kane is fit enough to start as Bayern Munich face Real Madrid in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

The clash at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is being described by Kompany as one of the toughest away fixtures in the competition.

Kane missed Bayern’s weekend victory over Freiburg due to an ankle injury but has since returned to training and travelled with the squad to Madrid, raising hopes of his availability.

“He had his second training session today and was still training even when he didn’t play, so I don’t think he has lost his rhythm,” said Kompany. “We’ll wait until tomorrow for the final information before making the decision.”

The England striker, who has scored 48 goals in 40 appearances this season, is fully aware of the importance of the match. Kompany stressed that any decision will be made in close consultation with the player.

“Once we decide he’s ready, then it’s full focus—no hesitation, just performance and winning,” he added.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid hold a strong recent record against Bayern, having eliminated the German giants in their last four meetings in the Champions League, including a dramatic semi-final win in 2024 with two late goals.

Kompany acknowledged that matches of this level are often decided by fine margins, given the quality on both sides. He also highlighted Madrid’s impressive form, particularly their performance against Manchester City in the previous round.

However, Bayern arrive in better shape compared to last season, when injuries plagued their squad during their quarter-final exit to Inter Milan.

“This time we have almost all of our key players available. That gives us belief to go out there and try to win,” Kompany concluded.