Kane’s Hat-Trick Sparks Bayern’s Record Start but Defense Worries Grow
It was a night to remember in Hoffenheim, and the spotlight belonged to Harry Kane. Bayern München, playing on the opening day of the 190th Oktoberfest, marched to a 4–1 win against TSG Hoffenheim, keeping their perfect start to the Bundesliga season alive. Four games, four wins, and a stunning goal tally of 18:3 – a new league record after just four matchdays. Yet, despite the joy of a big victory, Bayern fans were left with fresh worries about their already thin defense.
The game didn’t start as smoothly as the final score suggests. Hoffenheim were sharper, hungrier, and nearly punished Bayern early on. Manuel Neuer was tested, Fisnik Asllani hit the post, and Bernardo’s header flew just wide. But football has its cruel way of flipping momentum. In the 44th minute, 17-year-old debutant Lennart Karl delivered a clever short-corner routine. The ball rolled perfectly to Kane, who blasted it inside the near post. Just like that, Bayern were in front, almost against the run of play.
Seconds after halftime, more drama arrived. A shot from Sacha Boey struck the arm of defender Hajdari, and though the decision was debated, the referee pointed to the spot. Kane stepped up coolly, sent Oliver Baumann the wrong way, and doubled Bayern’s lead. By the 77th minute, history repeated itself. Bernardo fouled Michael Olise inside the box, and Kane, once again, placed the penalty into the net. A hat-trick completed – his eighth Bundesliga goal already this season.
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Coach Vincent Kompany praised Kane not only for his goals but for the leadership he shows on and off the pitch. Teammate Jonathan Tah highlighted the striker’s defensive work, insisting he’s never played with such a complete forward. And it was true: Kane’s presence was felt everywhere.
Hoffenheim did manage a response. Vladimir Coufal fired a free kick into the top corner in the 82nd minute, but it was little more than consolation. Deep into stoppage time, Serge Gnabry sealed the night by tapping in Bayern’s fourth. The champions had made history with a record-breaking start.
Still, the celebration was muted by another blow in defense. Kim Min-jae was forced off in the second half with cramps, joining a growing injury list that already includes Josip Stanisic, Alphonso Davies, and Hiroki Ito. For Bayern’s bosses on the sidelines, the smiles faded as they faced the reality of another defensive headache.
A small subplot was the debut of Nicolas Jackson, signed on loan from Chelsea. His first Bundesliga start was quiet, with just 15 touches and one shot before being replaced after an hour. His story at Bayern is only beginning.
For now, Bayern stand tall at the top of the table, but their depth at the back is being tested. Next up: a Friday night clash against Werder Bremen, with all eyes again likely on Harry Kane – the man who has turned Bayern’s attack into a festival.
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