Harry Kane got back to goalscoring form with a hat-trick as Bayern Munich returned to the top of the Bundesliga with a dominant 4-0 victory against Stuttgart.
Under Sebastian Hoeness, the visitors beat Bayern into finishing second in a historic season last term.
In the first half Stuttgart frustrated the hosts and limited Kane and Michael Olise to limited openings.
Pressure was mounting on Bayern boss Vincent Kompany as the visitors squandered a golden opportunity to break the deadlock when Josha Vagnoman blazed over.
Up stepped talisman Kane who rifled in the opener from 25 yards and then showed his skill to create a second just three minutes later.
Kane was in the mood for further goals and despite blazing over with the goal at his mercy moments later, the ball deflected into his path to grab a hat-trick.
Bayern capitalised on a tiring Stuttgart defence and substitute Kingsley Coman completed the victory.
Kane ended a run of three matches without a goal, and just in time for their UEFA Champions League game at Barcelona on Wednesday night.
Talking Point – Kane returns to form in style
Nobody doubted that Kane would return to top form, but his timing was perfect for Bayern Munich.
Bayern needed a touch of magic to overcome at stubborn Stuttgart side and Kane provided it with his 25-yard effort which gave the goalkeeper no chance.
Kompany’s side are back at the summit of the Bundesliga and with Kane desperate for a major honour they will be hard to beat.
Player of the Match – Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
The Munich striker was relentless in his search for goals despite Stuttgart trying their best to stop him.
Kane pulled his side into a winning position with two quick goals in the second half which relieved the pressure building on his side.
Player Ratings
Bayern Munich: Neuer 7, Guerreiro 7, Upamecano 7, Kim Min-Jae 7, Davies 7, Kimmich 8, Pavlovic 7, Olise 7, Muller 8, Gnabry 7, Kane 9, Subs: Coman 7, Goretzka 7, Laimer 6, Palhinha 6, Sane 7
Stuttgart: Nubel 6, Vagnoman 6, Rouault 7, Chabot 7, Hendriks 6, Karazor 6, Stiller 6, Rieder 6, Undav 6, Leweling 6, Demirovic 6. Subs: Chase 7, Millot 6, Mittelstadt 6, Toure 6, Woltemade 6
54’ – VAGNOMAN BLAZES OVER: Stuttgart could have had an opener after Bayern fail to get the ball clear. A Leweling ball into the box falls nicely to Vagnoman unmarked inside the box, but he blazes over.
57’ – GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 1 (KANE 57) STUTTGART 0: Kimmich wins the ball and passes to Kane who from 25 yards out unleashes a low effort which hits the ground and nestles into the net.
60’ – GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 2 (KANE) STUTTGART 0: Gnabry floats a ball into the box for Kane whose first effort is blocked. However, Kane flicks the ball over the defender on the floor and then rifles the ball home from close range.
80’ – GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 3 (KANE) STUTTGART 0: Bayern pass the ball around the box until an effort is deflected off Chabot into the path of Kane. The striker makes no mistake firing home.
89’ – GOAL! BAYERN MUNICH 4 (COMAN) STUTTGART 0: It’s four for the hosts who are in party mood. Muller provides the assist waiting for an opening and then finding Coman who jinks past his marker and then curls the ball home
Key Stats
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