Bayern Munich extended their dominance at the top of the Bundesliga table to nine points with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Holstein Kiel on Saturday.
Vincent Kompany’s men faced a determined challenge from the newly promoted side but ultimately emerged victorious, thanks to another masterclass from Harry Kane.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Kane floated a precise pass into Michael Olise inside the penalty area.
Instead of taking a shot himself, Olise cleverly pulled the ball back for Jamal Musiala, who calmly slotted home to put Bayern ahead.
Holstein Kiel, however, refused to back down. They nearly responded immediately when Lewis Holtby capitalized on a loose ball in the box and fired past Manuel Neuer.
But Bayern were saved by the quick reflexes of Kim Min-jae, who sprinted back and made a crucial goal-line clearance.
Bayern continued to threaten, with Olise striking the post and Aleksander Pavlovic forcing a fine save from Timon Weiner.
Just before halftime, the hosts doubled their advantage with a well-crafted goal. Kingsley Coman delivered a perfectly timed cross, allowing Kane to nod the ball home from close range.
Kane wasted no time in the second half, extending Bayern’s lead even further. Raphaël Guerreiro delivered an inch-perfect cross into the box, and the England striker coolly guided his header past Weiner once again.
The hosts weren’t done yet, as Serge Gnabry, introduced at halftime, controlled the ball expertly with his left foot before rifling a volley into the net with his right.
Despite Bayern’s commanding lead, Kiel refused to bow out quietly. Timo Becker won possession and played in Finn Porath, who unleashed a stunning strike across goal to beat Neuer.
The visitors continued to press and made things even more dramatic with two stoppage-time goals from Steven Skrzybski, forcing an anxious finish for Bayern and leaving Kompany unimpressed on the touchline.
Kane’s brace took his Bundesliga tally to 55 goals in just 50 appearances, a record-breaking feat no player has previously achieved in such a short span.
The prolific forward looked well on his way to another hat-trick, but Kompany opted to withdraw him before the hour mark, perhaps with upcoming fixtures in mind.
Olise, who had contributed his 10th assist of the season for the opener, was substituted at halftime as a precaution after picking up a knock.
Though he received treatment on the pitch and initially played on, Bayern’s decision not to risk him suggests they are keen to ensure his availability for the crucial weeks ahead.
Bayern will return to Bundesliga action on Friday against Werder Bremen before shifting their focus to a Champions League play-off first leg at Celtic.
