Harry Kane leads Bayern Munich to a 4-0 win over Heidenheim, restoring a nine-point lead at the top despite a severe injury and suspension crisis
AN understrength Bayern Munich coasted to a 4-0 away win over lowly Heidenheim on Sunday, restoring their nine-point lead atop the Bundesliga table in Harry Kane’s first match as captain.
Bayern were in complete control in the final match before the winter break, winning thanks to goals from Josip Stanisic, Michael Olise, Luis Diaz and Kane.
Kane toasted an “amazing year” in 2025 where he won his first league title.
“We started to build a spirit and a team energy that is hard to break and we took that into this season,” he told DAZN.
“We know there’s a long way to go until the end of the season but we’re doing all the right things.”
Bayern arrived missing almost a full starting XI due to injury, suspension or Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Only two outfield players on Bayern’s bench had ever started a Bundesliga match.
Coach Vincent Kompany said it “felt like a Covid week” with players dropping out one after another.
“I’m proud of the team because it’s not a given to come here and put in such a performance,” he added.
The absentees meant England skipper Kane was handed the captain’s armband for the first time in his 121st competitive match for Bayern.
Olise, who had eye surgery on Monday, curled in a corner for Stanisic to score the opener in the 15th minute.
The France winger doubled the lead just after the half-hour mark, tapping home after a free-kick routine.
Diaz headed in the match-sealing goal with four minutes remaining.
Kane got on the scoresheet in stoppage time, sidestepping two defenders before driving a low shot inside the right post for his 30th goal of the season.
The result leaves Heidenheim second last and stranded in the relegation spots, one point from safety.
Coach Frank Schmidt put the focus on himself after the heavy defeat.
“I’m not satisfied. Not with myself, not with us, or with the coaching team, because we’ve allowed too many chances,” the 51-year-old said.
“It’s my responsibility to take care to make the team more stable than it is — that’s the first task.”
In Sunday’s other match, bottom-club Mainz and 16th-placed St Pauli fought out a scoreless draw.
