FC Bayern maintained their flawless start to the Bundesliga campaign with a dominant 5-0 triumph over Hamburg on Saturday evening. Serge Gnabry, Aleksandar Pavlović, Harry Kane and Luis Díaz all struck in a rampant first half, before Kane completed his brace after the interval to seal the rout.
Line-ups and changes
Thomas Tuchel’s side began with Manuel Neuer in goal behind a back four of Konrad Laimer, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano and Josip Stanišić. Joshua Kimmich and Pavlović marshalled midfield, with Michael Olise, Gnabry and Díaz supporting Kane in attack. At half-time, debutant Nicolas Jackson and Raphaël Guerreiro replaced Gnabry and Upamecano, although Guerreiro was quickly forced off, making way for Tom Bischof. Later, Lennart Karl and Sacha Boey were introduced for Kane and Díaz.
Relentless first half
Bayern wasted no time stamping their authority. Laimer teed up Gnabry, who nutmegged his marker before rifling a stunning shot into the top corner. Pavlović soon doubled the advantage, capping off slick interplay. Hamburg keeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes denied Olise, while William Mikelbrencis threatened at the other end, forcing Neuer into action.
Kane then converted from the spot—his 66th Bundesliga goal in as many games—after a VAR check awarded a penalty for handball. Díaz added a fourth shortly before the break, his strike deflecting into the net. The hosts could have led by even more, with Díaz, Gnabry and Olise all missing further opportunities before half-time.
The second half unfolded at a calmer tempo, but Bayern remained in command. Neuer was sharp to keep out Mikelbrencis, while Kane delivered the finishing touch just past the hour, rounding off a swift counterattack he had started himself.
Heuer Fernandes denied Karl and Jackson, and Robert Glatzel headed over in a rare chance for Hamburg. Olise came close to a fifth when his deflected effort struck the bar, but Bayern had already done enough to secure a convincing victory.
The result keeps the Bavarians top with nine points from three games. Attention now turns to Wednesday’s Champions League clash at home against Chelsea.
Photo: FC Bayern
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