Bayern Munich maintain their perfect run in the Bundesliga with a clinical 4-1 win over Hoffenheim at the PreZero Arena on Saturday.
Harry Kane scored a hat-trick, including two penalties, to secure all three points for the German champions, who rode with luck at times in the first half.
Hoffenheim pulled one after Joshua Kimmich guided the ball into his own net, after failing to clear Vladimir Coufal’s free-kick.
In the injury time, Serge Gnabry scored from a tight angle to continue his impressive form.
Vincent Kompany made a host of changes to the side from the previous game, with Kim Min-jae and Lennart Kart making their first starts of the season in the Bundesliga.
Hoffenheim vs Bayern Munich: match report
The first real chance fell to the home side when Manuel Neuer gifted the ball in the path of Fisnik Asllani, who could have had the goal at his mercy, but could only hit the post.
Harry Kane tried his luck from a distance, but Oliver Baumann was equal to the task.
Konrad Laimaer had a heart in his mouth after tangling with a Hoffenheim player inside the box, but luckily for him, there was no penalty.
Lennart Karl tried to curl the ball with his left foot from the right-hand side, but Baumann made a terrific save. Moments later, Nicolas Jackson attempted an effort from distance, but the goalie comfortably saved it.
In the 44th minute, Bayern got the breakthrough through Harry Kane, who scored with his right foot – a clean strike from inside the box, after a brilliant corner from Karl.
Kim Min-jae made a magnificent block to deny Muhamed Damar inside the box just before the half-time.
Just after the break, Sacha Boey’s effort hit the arm of Hoffenheim defender, and a penalty was awarded. Kane scored his second goal of the day.
Michael Olise was fouled inside the box as he attempted to shoot with his left foot. After a VAR check, the penalty was awarded.
Kane stepped up to score his ninth hat-trick in the Bundesliga.
Laimer tried to increase the lead in the dying minutes of the game, but Baumann saved it brilliantly. Luis Diaz could not find the net from close range.
There was still time for one more dangerous attack, and Gnabry added another to round off a terrific afternoon for Bayern.
Here at CF Bayern Insider, we have rated the players out of 10.
Bayern Munich player ratings
Manuel Neuer (5) – The Bayern legend nearly made a howler when he passed the ball straight into the path of Asllani, and he was lucky that the forward could only hit the post.
Sacha Boey (6) – His strike from outside the box earned Bayern a penalty in the second half.
Jonathan Tah (6) – Strong with his clearances, Tah also made a couple of good tackles—another solid performance from him.
Kim Min-jae (7) – In his first league start of the season, Min-jae made a couple of brilliant blocks. He looked solid throughout.
Konrad Laimer (6) – The defender was involved in a controversial decision that Hoffenheim felt they should have got a penalty. Usually more effective on the right-hand side, Laimer was kept relatively quiet.
Aleksandar Pavolic (6) – Arguably the better of the two midfielders, his passing was crisp and accurate (95%), but as in the case previously, there was little creativity.
Leon Goretzka (6) – Another tidy performance in midfield; he put in a solid defensive shift. Picked up a yellow card in the first half.
Lennart Karl (8) – The youngster showed again why he is so highly rated in German football at the moment. He was terrific with his dribbles, made some smart darting runs into the box, and nearly got another assist for Luis Diaz. His assist for Kane was outstanding.
Luis Diaz (6) – It was a bit subdued performance from the former Liverpool winger, but he still produced some moments of brilliance in the second half.
Nicolas Jackson (4) – Apart from one long-range effort, he did nothing before he was taken off after the hour mark. He needs to do a lot more to secure a permanent move from Chelsea next summer.
Harry Kane (9) – What a season Kane is having so far! HAT-TRICK HERO! He has looked sharper and fitter this season, having already scored eight goals in the Bundesliga. However, his contribution to the side goes beyond goals. He dropped deep to pick balls and played out some excellent passes as well.
Substititions
Joshua Kimmich – 5
Michael Olise – 6
Serge Gnabry – 6
Dayot Upamecano – 6
Tom Bischof – NA
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