A Harry Kane hat-trick sent Bayern Munich eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after securing an unconvincing 3-0 win over 10-man Augsburg.
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Bayern beat Augsburg 3-0Kane treble secures winEight clear at top of tableFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
Despite having 80 per cent possession and 13 shots to the visitors' two in the first half, Bayern were somewhat sluggish on their return from the international break at Allianz Arena.
Jamal Musiala was the home team's brightest spark and was repeatedly denied by an in-form Nediljko Labrovic in Augsburg's goal.
It looked like it would be a night of frustration for Vincent Kompany's side but substitute Mads Pedersen inexplicably handled in the box and Kane emphatically dispatched the resulting spot-kick in the 63rd minute.
The Fuggerstadter posed little threat to Manuel Neuer's goal, whereas the Bavarians peppered Labrovic's – but the Croatian was up to the task.
The England captain, who was fairly anonymous for the majority of the contest, bagged his second penalty in the 93rd minute after Keven Schlotterbeck fouled the 31-year-old in the area – with the defender then sent off for a second yellow.
The former Tottenham star then made it 3-0 two minutes later when he beautifully controlled Leon Goretzka's cross and slotted home to put Bayern eight points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig on Friday night.
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While Labrovic put in an excellent display in the Augsburg goal, and Musiala was the best player on the pitch, Kane got the goals that mattered in a scoreline that flattered a Bayern side that didn't need to get out of third gear.
AFPTHE BIG LOSER
The way this match was going, coupled with Labrovic's stellar efforts, it seemed Augsburg were going to get a backs-against-the-wall point. But Pedersen's thoughtless handball gifted Bayern a win that looked like it wouldn't come. Then, two more goals followed.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Bayern do not have long to get ready for their next match as they host Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday in the Champions League in a repeat of the 2020 final.