Bayern Munich roared back to the top of the Bundesliga in emphatic fashion as Luis Díaz smashed a hat‑trick and Harry Kane coolly converted two penalties to rout 10‑man Hoffenheim, re‑establishing a six‑point lead at the summit.
Early Drama and a Perfect Start
The tone was set inside the opening exchanges when Kane stepped up to convert the first of two spot kicks, a penalty awarded after Hoffenheim defender Kevin Akpoguma was sent off for hauling down Díaz. The red card swung the pendulum decisively in Bayern’s favour and handed the champions the platform to dominate.
A Brief Hoffenheim Reply
Hoffenheim, undeterred by the numerical disadvantage, struck back through Andrej Kramarić, who levelled the contest and briefly rekindled hope for the visitors. That flicker of resistance, however, was extinguished as Bayern seized control.
Kane’s Class and Díaz’s Brilliance
Kane continued his relentless scoring run, notching his 38th goal in all competitions before teeing up the move that produced Díaz’s second — a neat finish from a Michael Olise pass just before half‑time that put Bayern ahead for good. Díaz then completed his treble in the dying moments, capping a devastating individual display and sealing a comprehensive victory.
Title Race Implications
The win restores Bayern’s breathing room at the top after Borussia Dortmund had briefly cut the gap with a win at Wolfsburg. For Hoffenheim, the defeat stings, but for Bayern it is a statement: when firepower and ruthlessness combine, they remain the benchmark in Germany.
Takeaway
This was a night of clinical finishing and tactical dominance. Kane’s penalties and Díaz’s hat‑trick were the headline acts, but the result underlined Bayern’s depth and hunger — a timely reminder that the title race is far from over, and Bayern are determined to dictate its script.
