Harry Kane looks ahead to Champions League battle against Bellingham's Real Madrid

Bayern Munich's English forward Harry Kane reacts during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen in Munich on January 21, 2024. (Photo by KERSTIN JOENSSON / AFP) / DFL

By Rama Mohammed | 18 Apr 2024

England striker Harry Kane is looking forward to battling against countryman Jude Belligham when Bayern faces Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane is looking ahead to a thrilling Champions League semi-final encounter against his England teammate Jude Bellingham's Real Madrid, describing it as "why we moved abroad."

Bayern secured their spot in the semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Arsenal, courtesy of a second-half goal from Joshua Kimmich, sealing a 3-2 aggregate win.

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For Kane's side, this marks their first appearance in the Champions League semi-finals since 2020, a season where they clinched a treble.

Their opponents, Real Madrid, advanced after defeating holders Manchester City in a penalty shootout.

Kane, who departed his boyhood club Tottenham for Bayern in the same summer Bellingham made the move to Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund, highlighted the significance of such occasions for which they relocated.

"These are the experiences that I think we both moved abroad for. To try and achieve it, to play in these big nights," Kane expressed.

The prospect of reaching this year's Champions League final, to be held at Wembley, holds special significance for Kane and Bellingham.

"For both of us, of course. It'll be in our national stadium so there's an extra motivation to try and go there and achieve it," Kane remarked.

What a night! @leongoretzka_ helping me with the post match video 😂😂 #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/gGZ37xj14H
— Harry Kane (@HKane) April 17, 2024

However, Kane remains focused on the challenges ahead, acknowledging the tough fixtures that lie ahead.

Both Kane and Bellingham are expected to play key roles for Gareth Southgate's England side in the upcoming European Championships, having showcased impressive performances for their respective European powerhouse clubs this season.

Kane has been prolific for Bayern, netting 39 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Bellingham, at just 20 years old, has notched 16 league goals for Real Madrid this season, positioning himself as one of the game's rising stars.

As Bayern and Real Madrid gear up for a monumental clash, Kane recognizes the quality his compatriot brings to the opposing side.

"Jude's had a fantastic season and he's a really top player, so obviously happy for him, but it'll be another war against his team," Kane noted.

Bayern's qualification for the semi-finals marks their 13th appearance at this stage, trailing only Real Madrid in the competition's history.

While Real Madrid boast a record 14 Champions League titles, Bayern have six to their name, level with Liverpool and one shy of AC Milan.

Kane anticipates considerable interest from English fans in their clash with Bellingham's Real Madrid but emphasizes the importance of staying focused on their objectives.

"But we just have to focus on ourselves. Of course, I will say hello, but you know once we're on the pitch is about doing my best for the team."