In a commanding display, Harry Kane secured an unprecedented hat-trick as Bayern Munich dominated Mainz 8-1 in their home fixture, narrowing the gap to Bundesliga pacesetters Bayer Leverkusen to seven points.
Setting a remarkable milestone, the English captain became the first player to achieve four hat-tricks in a debut Bundesliga season. His tally of 30 league goals thus far equals Uwe Seeler’s record for the most goals in a debut Bundesliga campaign. Additionally, Kane stands out as the inaugural player to score at least twice in eight separate matches during his maiden Bundesliga season.
Kane’s hat-trick commenced with a tap-in goal in the 13th minute, followed by a composed low shot just before halftime to restore Bayern’s two-goal lead. His third goal, a header in the 70th minute, further solidified Bayern’s dominance, contributing to the team’s seventh goal.
Supplementary strikes from Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, and Thomas Muller amplified Bayern’s commanding victory, echoing their triumph over Lazio earlier in the week, securing a berth in the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, Bayer Leverkusen, led by the undefeated Xabi Alonso, retain the opportunity to extend their Bundesliga lead to ten points as they prepare to face Wolfsburg on Sunday, in a match broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Kane’s stellar performance marked his fifth goal in as many days, following his brace against Lazio. Notably, his opening goal against Mainz materialized within just 13 minutes, courtesy of a precise finish from Jamal Musiala’s delivery.
Despite a brief response from Mainz through Nadiem Amiri’s thunderous strike, Kane swiftly reinstated Bayern’s advantage with a deft first touch and composed finish just before halftime. Thomas Muller extended Bayern’s lead early in the second half, while Kane showcased his playmaking prowess with an exquisite cross-field pass to set up Musiala’s goal.
A highlight of the match came from substitute Gnabry, whose audacious mid-air backheel flick secured Bayern’s sixth goal in style.
Kane completed his hat-trick with a header in the 70th minute, subject to a VAR review to overturn the linesman’s offside decision. With this achievement, Kane now trails ex-Bayern forward Robert Lewandowski’s Bundesliga season record by 11 goals.
Goretzka’s stoppage-time goal provided a glimmer of hope for Thomas Tuchel’s side in their pursuit of Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga standings.