In this Bayern vs Stuttgart match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
There are finals that begin exactly as expected, and others that pretend to for a while before revealing the truth. This one sat somewhere in between, because for long periods, Stuttgart not only competed, they were actually the better side. But finals are not won through good spells alone. They are won through quality. And when it comes to quality, Bayern do not forgive.
The opening surprised a lot of people. Stuttgart pressed high, aggressively and fearlessly, winning the ball in dangerous areas. Mittelstädt embodied that approach perfectly, constantly involved, arriving in attacking positions, testing Urbig and showing that Stuttgart had not come here just to participate. Bayern took time to settle. Too positional, too predictable, circulation too slow. Only later did they begin pushing the game into Stuttgart’s half, more through individual brilliance than collective rhythm. Even then, despite having more possession, they created very little. It was territorial dominance, not emotional control.
And that kept the game open. But then comes the moment where talent simply ignores the context.
In the 55th minute, a clever set-piece routine changes everything. Kimmich switches play to Olise on the right, he drives towards the byline and delivers a perfect cross. Kane arrives in the box with space, far too much space for someone with that finishing ability, and powers the header in. Simple, clinical, ruthless. 1-0. And that is where the game truly changes.
Stuttgart had been organised, competitive and brave, but they conceded from a move executed to perfection. Movement, delivery, finish. It is the type of goal that separates very good teams from elite teams. Stuttgart tried to respond, but the same energy was no longer there. Bayern started controlling the tempo better, slowing things down and settling into their comfort zone.
In the 80th minute, Kane smashes one from distance against the crossbar. The move stays alive. Luis Díaz reacts quickly, collects the ball on the left and slides it into Kane inside the area. And here, it is pure striker instinct. He receives while spinning away from the defender in one smooth movement and finishes instantly. An elite-level piece of technique. 2-0.
By then, Stuttgart no longer had the strength or clarity to come back. The intensity faded and the game slowly became accepted for what it was. Bayern, meanwhile, began enjoying themselves. Looser, calmer, fully in control of the moment.
Then, in stoppage time, the third goal seals everything. Olise delivers an outside-of-the-boot cross and Stiller handles the ball inside the box. Clear penalty. Kane steps up and does not miss. Confident finish, hat-trick complete, final signature on the night. 3-0.
And there is something symbolic about that, because Kane did not just decide the match, he defined the gap between the teams. The scoreline may look harsh considering how the game started, but top-level football follows a simple rule: the team with more quality needs less to win.
Post-match
Bayern confirmed their status as favourites and won comfortably, but not easily. For a long time, they genuinely struggled against a well-organised and aggressive Stuttgart side.
Harry Kane was the story of the final. Hat-trick, constant presence and an absurd ability to decide games.
