The definition of a lightning start. After just 82 seconds, the Stuttgart net was rippling for the first time thanks to a clever interception by Thomas Müller, an assist from the explosive Leroy Sané and the finish from Harry Kane, for whom the term "lightning start" would be something of an understatement for the beginning of his FC Bayern career. Kane bagged a brace in the comfortable 3-0 win in the last home game of the year against in-form VfB Stuttgart, taking his tally to 20 Bundesliga goals after 14 games. Only the legendary Gerd Müller managed the same number of goals after 14 Bundesliga matchdays in 1969.
Goal-getter Kane chasing records
In an impressive team performance, the England captain once again stood out and can look back on his first few months in Germany with huge pride. The 30-year-old has registered an incredible 32 goal involvements (24 goals, eight assists) in 21 competitive appearances – no player in Europe's top five leagues can better this record. After the final whistle, Kane described it as "probably the best performance of the season".
Sané's spectacular form
Sané's performances have been putting a smile on the faces of FCB supporters for a long time – and particularly since the start of this season. Anyone who sees the number 10 on the pitch in this form can't help but be impressed. His graceful movements are a feast for the eyes, his speed – particularly with the ball – is almost impossible to defend against and make Sané one of the most spectacular players in Europe. He cuts through opposition lines like a knife through warm butter. Irresistible.
His top form is also reflected in the stats: the 27-year-old has eight goals and eight assists to his name in the Bundesliga to date, already equalling his personal best. Eight assists also make him the top provider in the German top flight, with five of those going to his partner in crime Kane.
'The defence was outstanding'
"That's how we need to play all the time. Brave, confident and doing our jobs," said Sané after the game, adding: "The defence was outstanding." The back four of the aggressive Konrad Laimer, the dangerous Alphonso Davies and the two rocks in the middle Dayot Upamecano and Minjae Kim earned special praise. Upamecano took Stuttgart's top goalscorer Serhou Guirassy pretty much out of the game, while Kim produced one of his best displays in a Bayern jersey.
Minjae The Monster
The 27-year-old was uncomprimising in the tackle, a pillar of support for his teammates, and showed his threat in attack. Having had one headed goal disallowed for offside in the first half, "The Monster" headed in the third goal in the 63rd minute to open his account for the German champions in his 21st appearance. "Minjae played very well with Upa at Old Trafford previously. Both were very strong today with their physicality and their concentration level," praised coach Thomas Tuchel. Bayern have now kept seven clean sheets in 14 Bundesliga games – the most in Germany!
Second start for Pavlović
Kim's goal was set up by Aleksandar Pavlović, whose performance also pleased Tuchel: "We trust him, he had a very good game. I'm very pleased for him, he trains well, he's a top lad and has his heart in the right place." The 19-year-old made his second start and produced his second assist. That too is a lightning start for the Munich native, who promises to have a successful 2024.
The match report:
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