Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or party gives way to anxiety-filled hangover for Bayern Munich | Andy Brassell

Dortmund did not read the script, remaining level on points with the defending champions at the top of the tableIt was the moment they had all been … not so much waiting for, but planning, pushing and yearning for. On the green screen grabs that announce the starting lineup on the giant scoreboard before kick-off, every Bayern Munich player turns to face the camera with their personal salute, greeting or goal celebration, the playful progression from the standard folding of arms. Except on Saturday evening, the No 9 turned around smiling, and cradling the golden trophy.In the midweek DFB Pokal stroll against Magdeburg there had been a salute, the players welcoming Harry Kane on to the pitch with a guard of honour to commemorate his Ballon d’Or victory two nights before. This, however, was the real party, the moment where the England captain’s and Bayern’s successful union and the apex it has reached was celebrated in front of a global audience. There was every reason to believe it would be a full and satisfying victory lap, even in Der Klassiker, with proper competition so often bringing the best out of the Rekordmeister. Continue reading...