By Can Erozden
Bayern Munich thrashed Darmstadt 8-0 on Saturday to stand on top of the German Bundesliga standings as victors' English star Harry Kane scored a hat-trick, including a goal from the halfway line.
Following a goalless first half, home team Bayern Munich ran rampant in the second 45 minutes at Allianz Arena.
Kane, a former Tottenham Hotspur player, scored on a header in the 51st minute to break the deadlock.
Leroy Sane doubled the gap five minutes later.
German star Jamal Musiala was on the score sheet in the 60th minute. Musiala sent a low shot to the bottom corner. On a freekick, Kane passed to Musiala rather than take a shot. The English player's move tricked the Darmstadt wall and goalkeeper.
Sane fired outside the area to make it 4-0 in the 64th minute.
Five minutes later, Kane scored his team's fifth goal. It was a spectacular goal from the halfway line.
Thomas Muller finished in the penalty area after Noussair Mazraoui's cross from the right flank in minute 71.
Musiala and Kane added a goal each in the remained as the visitors fell apart.
Bayern Munich's German midfielder Joshua Kimmich was sent off with a red card in the early minutes of the match.
Darmstadt played with nine men as Klaus Gjasula and Matej Maglica were shown red cards before the break.
Bayern Munich increased their points to 23 in nine matches to oust Bayer Leverkusen, who will play Freiburg on Sunday at home.
Bayer Leverkusen have a match in hand and 22 points in the league.
Third-place Stuttgart have 21 points after a 3-2 home loss to Hoffenheim.