Bayer Leverkusen eased past visitors Freiburg 2-0 with goals from Ernest Poku and Edmond Tapsoba on Sunday to stretch their winning run in the Bundesliga only five days after their midweek Champions League debacle.

The 2024 German champions bounced back from Tuesday's 7-2 home loss to Paris St Germain in the Champions League, to earn their fourth straight league win and confirm their upward trend under coach Kasper Hjulmand, who took over following the sacking of Erik ten Hag after just two matchdays.

They moved up to fourth place in the standings on 17 points, level with third-placed Borussia Dortmund and two points behind RB Leipzig in second.

Bayern Munich lead the title race on a maximum 24 points following Saturday's 3-0 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Dutch youth international Poku fired the hosts into the lead with a superbly curled low shot in the 22nd minute before Tapsoba doubled it seven minutes after the restart, heading in from an Alex Grimaldo cross.

With Leverkusen, who travel to Bayern next week, in complete control, Poku should have added a third goal three minutes later but he was beaten in a one-on-one by Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu before Arthur sent the rebound wide.

Freiburg, who dropped to 11th place, were left with 10 men when Philipp Lienhart was dismissed with a second booking in the 74th minute, but despite overwhelming possession, Leverkusen could not add to their tally.

Bayern Munich scored three goals in the last half hour to win 3-0 at a 10-man Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday, staying five points clear at the top of the table.

Joshua Kimmich, Raphael Guerreiro and teenager Lennart Karl all got on the scoresheet as Bayern made it 13 wins from 13 games in all competitions this season.

It was only the second time this season Harry Kane, who had a goal chalked off for offside in the second half, failed to score.

Gladbach's Jens Castrop sunk his studs into Luis Diaz's shin with 19 minutes gone and was sent off when his yellow card was upgraded to red after a VAR review.

Despite the one-man advantage, Bayern – who made six changes including Jonas Urbig replacing captain Manuel Neuer in goal – lacked fluidity against their last-placed opponents.

Kimmich put the visitors ahead after 64 minutes, blasting through a crowded penalty box and Guerreiro added another five minutes later, sweeping in to finish off a lovely team move.

Gladbach's hopes of getting something out of the match were dashed further when Kevin Stoeger hit a penalty at the post with 15 minutes left.

With nine minutes remaining, 17-year-old Karl produced a stunning curling strike to wrap up the match for the defending champions.

RB Leipzig romped to a 6-0 win at Augsburg with six different goalscorers, tightening their grip on second spot, four points ahead of third-placed Stuttgart.

Yan Diomande, Romulo, Antonio Nusa, Christoph Baumgartner, Assan Ouedraogo and Castello Lukeba all netted as Leipzig inflicted Augsburg's worst home defeat in league history.

Since losing 6-0 to Bayern in the season opener, Leipzig have claimed 19 of a possible 21 points in seven games, conceding just three goals.

Eintracht Frankfurt bounced back from Wednesday's 5-1 Champions League thumping by Liverpool to beat St Pauli 2-0 at home thanks to a double from Jonathan Burkardt.

Germany striker Burkardt, who also scored a double last week against Freiburg, has six goals in seven league games this season.

Elsewhere, Wolfsburg won their first match since August with a 1-0 victory at Hamburg, with Adam Daghim scoring the only goal.

Hamburg winger Ransford-Yeboah Koenigsdoerffer missed a first-half penalty, the third time in a row he has failed to convert from the spot.

Hoffenheim beat lowly Heidenheim 3-1.

In Saturday's late game, Borussia Dortmund can jump up to third with a win at home against Cologne.

Just seven rounds into the Bundesliga season, a Harry Kane-powered Bayern Munich are already threatening to pull away from the chasing pack.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to historic rivals Borussia Moenchengladbach, Bayern are five points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig.

The defending Bundesliga champions have won 12 from 12 in all competitions. They are the only team in Europe's top five leagues yet to drop a point.

Central to Bayern's barnstorming opening has been England captain Kane.

The 32-year-old has 20 goals in those 12 Bayern victories. He has chalked up 12 goals and three assists in seven Bundesliga games.

But Kane's contribution this season has gone far beyond getting his name on the scoresheet.

Nowhere has Kane's all-round contribution been clearer than in last Saturday's 2-1 home win over Borussia Dortmund.

Named in the number 10 role behind striker Nicolas Jackson, Kane was everywhere, dropping back to defend and pinging passes from deep to Bayern's lightning-quick wingers Michael Olise and Luis Diaz.

But the additional creative burden clearly did not blunt Kane's effectiveness in front of goal.

On Saturday, Kane produced a textbook centre-forward's finish to open the scoring for Bayern, leaping high to head in a corner with 21 minutes gone.

Tipped by some to return to England, Kane, however, indicated he was likely to stick around longer in Germany, particularly after coach Vincent Kompany extended his deal until 2029 this week.

"Conversations will be had," Kane said after Bayern beat Club Brugge 4-0 on Wednesday in the Champions League.

"Not next month, but maybe in the new year. We're in a great position. I feel good.

"Kompany is a big part of the club and a key part of why I enjoy being here so much. The extension is great news."

Worryingly for Bayern's rivals, they look set to get better.

On Thursday, Jamal Musiala trained for the first time since breaking his ankle at the Club World Cup in July.

Initially expected back in 2026, sporting director Max Eberl said Musiala could return before Christmas.

The 22-year-old creative midfielder told reporters: "It was great to be back on the pitch. It felt great. My foot felt good."

Bayern's incredible form means there is no need to rush Musiala back. Likewise with Alphonso Davies, who is working his way back from an ACL tear.

"It's always just step by step, you don't want to do anything too quickly," Musiala said.

"When I come back, I want to be at 100 per cent and at a good level. That's why we're taking our time."

Elsewhere on matchday eight, second-placed RB Leipzig travel to mid-table Augsburg, while Dortmund take on the impressive Cologne.

One to watch: Fabio Silva (Borussia Dortmund)

Known to Premier League fans for a disappointing stint at Wolves, Borussia Dortmund striker Fabio Silva is quietly showing the talent which once had him pinned as a rising star.

Silva, 23, impressed after coming on against Bayern Munich on Saturday and scored his first Dortmund goal in Tuesday's 4-2 Champions League victory at Copenhagen.

With first-choice striker Serhou Guirassy nursing a thigh complaint, Silva could be in line for his first Dortmund start on Saturday at home against Cologne.

Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said as much on Tuesday, telling reporters: "Fabio is playing more and more. I'm trying to give him more and more minutes because he deserves them."

Vincent Kompany has extended his contract as coach of Bayern Munich by two years until 2029, the Bundesliga champions announced on Tuesday.

Not Bayern's first choice when he was appointed in the summer of 2024, Belgian Kompany reclaimed the German title for the Bavarians from Bayer Leverkusen in his debut season at the club.

This term, the 39-year-old has Bayern flying with 11 wins in 11 games, sitting atop the Champions League and Bundesliga tables.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐘𝐒 ‼️

Coach Vincent Kompany extends his contract with FC Bayern München until 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟵 ✍️

🔗 https://t.co/sKo7StzR1T pic.twitter.com/1tBWwIzpcT

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) October 21, 2025

"It feels like I've been here a lot longer and that I know the club well," former Manchester City captain Kompany said in a statement.

"It's been a great experience so far. We've started on a wonderful journey. Let's keep working hard and celebrate much more success!"

Eintracht Frankfurt were pegged back by a clever 87th-minute Vincenzo Grifo free-kick in a 2-2 draw at Freiburg on Sunday, days out from their Champions League clash against Liverpool.

On Wednesday, Frankfurt will welcome back striker Hugo Ekitike, who made a big-money move to Anfield in the summer -- for a reported £69 million.

The 2022 Europa League winners will be playing in the Champions League for just the second time.

But this draw again highlighted Frankfurt's inconsistency this season.

Freiburg went ahead after just two minutes thanks to Derry Scherhant but Jonathan Burkardt scored twice before halftime to put Frankfurt in control.

With the clock winding down, set piece specialist Grifo caught Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos napping, curling his free kick around the wall and in at the near post.

The Eagles have scored more goals than everyone except league leaders Bayern but have conceded the most in the Bundesliga this campaign.

Frankfurt had conceded 16 goals in their past four matches and the visitors may have feared another long afternoon when Freiburg's Scherhant put the hosts in front two minutes in.

Frankfurt found their feet after a quarter of an hour, however, and Burkardt had them level shortly afterwards, his shot finding the bottom right corner from a fortunate deflection.

Turkish teenager Can Uzun was a creative menace in attacking midfield and helped Frankfurt take the lead before halftime.

He won the ball near the Freiburg goal and fed Fares Chaibi, who laid it off for Burkhardt to score his seventh goal in nine matches in all competitions since moving to Frankfurt in the summer.

The visitors tried to maintain control of the match after the break, bringing on World Cup winner Mario Goetze midway through the second half to see out the result.

But Freiburg had other ideas and Italy midfielder Grifo snatched a share of the spoils.

Ein Punkt geht mit nach Frankfurt.
–––––
⏹️ 90. | #SCFSGE 2:2 | #SGE pic.twitter.com/liaXwl2ajb

— Eintracht Frankfurt (@Eintracht) October 19, 2025

Forward Harry Kane scored once and helped set up another as champions Bayern Munich battled past Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the Bundesliga's Klassiker on Saturday to maintain their perfect start to the season with their seventh straight win.

The Bavarians, who host Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday, had to survive considerable second-half pressure from the visitors before making sure of their 11th win in 11 matches across all competitions this season.

They lead the Bundesliga race with 21 points, five ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig. Dortmund, who suffered their first loss in 10 matches across all competitions, dropped to fourth on 14.

Kane gave the hosts a deserved lead when he scored his 12th league goal in seven matches with a glancing header from a Joshua Kimmich corner in the 22nd minute.

Goal - KANE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
Assist - KIMMICH 🇩🇪

🔴⚪ #FCBBVB ⚫🟡 | 1:0 | 22' pic.twitter.com/KyPch7D5NW

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) October 18, 2025

Dortmund, who travel to FC Copenhagen on Tuesday in the Champions League, were nowhere to be seen in the first half but tried to bounce back after the break, going close through Felix Nmecha before Karim Adeyemi fired over the bar from close range in the 67th.

England captain Kane, who scored twice in his country's 5-0 win over Latvia on Tuesday that secured their ticket to next year's World Cup, then sent a stunning 60-metre pass for Luis Diaz who cut into the Dortmund box for Olise to finish the move in the 79th minute.

Big game player. pic.twitter.com/V6AkdTPyn3

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) October 18, 2025

The visitors pulled a goal back through Julian Brandt's tap-in five minutes later and piled on the pressure to inject late drama into the game.

Alex Grimaldo scored twice as Bayer Leverkusen won 4-3 at Mainz on Saturday in the Bundesliga, extending their unbeaten streak to eight games as they prepare for a European clash with reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain.

The win sent Leverkusen to fifth in the table, level on points with fourth-placed Borussia Dortmund, who play league leaders Bayern Munich in Saturday's final game.

Martin Terrier's strike three minutes from time had put Leverkusen 4-2 up but Mainz's Armindo Sieb scored shortly afterwards to set up a nervy ending.

Another quiet one...#M05B04 pic.twitter.com/MeIeH4x1nA

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) October 18, 2025

Leverkusen, who have dropped seven points this season despite scoring first in each of their seven matches, eventually hung on to win a match they had dominated.

Grimaldo's spot-kick put Leverkusen in front on 11 minutes and Christian Kofane doubled the visitors' lead midway through the first half, finishing off a clever team move with a low shot into the bottom right corner.

Leverkusen gave away an easy goal on the 34th-minute mark when Loic Bade's clearance hit his own player, allowing Lee Jae-sung to score.

Just before half-time, Leverkusen pressed Mainz into an error and Jonas Hofmann, who won the penalty, found Grimaldo in the box for a tap-in.

Spain defender Grimaldo now has six goals and two assists in 10 games in all competitions this season.

You're why we do it 🤩#M05B04 pic.twitter.com/R86WGlmltN

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) October 18, 2025

RB Leipzig won 2-1 at home against promoted Hamburg, with Christoph Baumgartner scoring goals for the hosts either side of a strike from Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Leipzig were thumped 6-0 in their season opener at Bayern but have now won five and drawn one to sit in second spot, two points behind the Bavarians.

Leipzig are without European football this season for the first time since their debut promotion in 2016.

Elsewhere, Stuttgart won 3-0 at Wolfsburg to climb to third, with former Wolf Tiago Tomas and Germany duo Maximilian Mittelstaedt and Angelo stiller also grabbing goals.

Cologne continued their strong form since returning to the top flight, drawing 1-1 with Augsburg at home, while Werder Bremen gave up the lead twice to draw 2-2 at Heidenheim.

Vincent Kompany lauded striker Harry Kane's "hunger" as his Bayern Munich side prepare to host Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in a clash between the league's two unbeaten teams.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern have won 10 from 10 in all competitions, scoring 38 goals and conceding just eight.

The centrepiece is Kane who is arguably in his career-best form.

The 32-year-old, who scored a brace in Tuesday's 5-0 thumping of Latvia on England duty, has 18 goals and three assists in those 10 matches for Bayern.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany said Friday Kane's long trophy drought, that he finally broke with last year's Bundesliga title, pushed the England captain to get even better.

"Maybe it helped that he didn't win a title for a long time, so he kept up that hunger," Kompany told reporters.

"He knows what his role in our team can be and where he fits in with his teammates."

While Bayern have barnstormed their way to the top of the Bundesliga, Dortmund are quietly putting together a strong opening of their own.

They are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions and sit four points behind Bayern in second.

Dortmund manager Niko Kovac, a double winner at Bayern before getting the sack half a year later, said his side must be brave in Munich.

"It'll be difficult if we play too cautiously," Kovac said. "Just defending won't work. We respect each other but we need to take the initiative.

"If we play like we did last year in Munich, we'll have a good chance, but we need to be brave.

"We do see what kind of form Bayern are on. It's unusual for a team to perform so well."

 

🗣️ 𝗞𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝘀 💬

“All the players have returned from international duty healthy. Rafa took a knock against Frankfurt and will train today. Then we'll see if he can be included. Josip Stanisic is still out.” pic.twitter.com/RPTQV5bwLu

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) October 17, 2025

 

In the match nicknamed 'Der Klassiker' in a bid to echo LaLiga's El Clasico, the fixture has tended to mark the end of Dortmund's title ambitions.

Dortmund have lost eight of their past 10 matches against Bayern in Munich.

But Dortmund are on their best run versus the Bavarians since Jurgen Klopp's tenure.

Dortmund have won one and drawn two of their past three games against Bayern, including a 2-0 win at the Allianz Arena in 2024.

Now running the show at Red Bull, parent company of rivals RB Leipzig, Klopp himself will not be tuning in.

Speaking from the Spanish island of Mallorca, where he spends much of his time, former Liverpool manager Klopp told Germany's RTL on Thursday he would "probably not have time" to watch.

"If I didn't have to work, I'd definitely watch the game."

One to watch: Loic Bade (Bayer Leverkusen)

After a tumultuous summer rebuild with around a dozen new arrivals, France centre-back Loic Bade has quickly established himself at the heart of Bayer Leverkusen's defence.

Bade, 25, who arrived from Sevilla in August, is an assured presence in central defence, showing composure and control in a team in transition.

Praising his "amazing" performances on the pitch, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes told AFP on Thursday "it's very important as well how he acts off the pitch.

"He's a connector in the locker room language-wise, but also in terms of personality and culture.

"Loic has personality – and you can feel that."

 

Harry Kane moves into the top 5 🙌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#WCQ pic.twitter.com/Wt9SZr64YK

— Uefa EURO (@UEFAEURO) October 15, 2025

 

Key stats

10 - Dortmund's 2-0 win over Bayern in 2024 was their first in the league in Munich in 10 years dating back to a 3-0 win in 2014.

11 - Harry Kane has 11 goals in six Bundesliga games this season.

1 - Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, who on Thursday was cleared to play, has only failed to score or assist in one of his eight matches this season. He has six goals and three assists.

Fixtures (1330 GMT unless stated)

Friday

Union Berlin v Borussia Moenchengladbach (1830)

Saturday

Mainz v Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig v Hamburg, Cologne v Augsburg, Heidenheim v Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg v Stuttgart, Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund (1630)

Sunday

Freiburg v Eintracht Frankfurt, St Pauli v Hoffenheim (1530)

League leaders Bayern Munich host second-placed Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, with both sides unbeaten after opening the season in top form.

Bayern have won 10 from 10 in all competitions, scoring 36 goals and conceding seven.

Star striker Harry Kane is on arguably his career-best form.

The 32-year-old, who scored a brace in Tuesday's 5-0 thumping of Latvia on England duty, has 18 goals and three assists in those 10 matches for Bayern.

While Bayern have barnstormed their way to the top of the Bundesliga and Champions League tables, Dortmund are quietly putting together a strong opening of their own.

Dortmund are unbeaten in nine games in all competitions and sit four points behind Bayern in second.

A double winner at Bayern before getting the sack half a year later, Niko Kovac, now Dortmund manager, said his side must be brave in Munich.

"It'll be difficult if we play too cautiously," Kovac said Thursday. "Just defending won't work. We respect each other but we need to take the initiative.

"If we play like we did last year in Munich, we'll have a good chance, but we need to be brave.

"We do see what kind of form Bayern are on. It's unusual for a team to perform so well."

In the match nicknamed 'Der Klassiker' in a bid to echo LaLiga's El Clasico, the fixture has tended to mark the end of Dortmund's title ambitions.

Dortmund have lost eight of their past 10 matches against Bayern in Munich.

But Dortmund are on their best run versus the Bavarians since Jurgen Klopp's tenure.

Dortmund have won one and drawn two of their past three games against Bayern, including a 2-0 win at the Allianz Arena in 2024.

Now running the show at Red Bull, parent company of rivals RB Leipzig, Klopp himself will not be tuning in.

Speaking from the Spanish island of Mallorca, where he spends much of his time, former Liverpool manager Klopp told Germany's RTL on Thursday he would "probably not have time" to watch.

"If I didn't have to work, I'd definitely watch the game."

One to watch: Loic Bade (Bayer Leverkusen)

After a tumultuous summer rebuild with around a dozen new arrivals, France centre-back Loic Bade has quickly established himself at the heart of Bayer Leverkusen's defence.

Bade, 25, is an assured presence in central defence, showing composure and control in a team in transition.

Praising his "amazing" performances on the pitch, Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes told AFP on Thursday "it's very important as well how he acts off the pitch.

"He's a connector in the locker room language-wise, but also in terms of personality and culture.

"Loic has personality – and you can feel that."

Key stats

10 - Dortmund's 2-0 win over Bayern in 2024 was their first in the league in Munich in 10 years dating back to a 3-0 win in 2014.

11 - Harry Kane has 11 goals in six Bundesliga games this season.

1 - Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, who on Thursday was cleared to play, has only failed to score or assist in one of his eight matches this season. He has six goals and three assists.

Fixtures (1330 GMT unless stated)

Friday

Union Berlin v Borussia Moenchengladbach (1830)

Saturday

Mainz v Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig v Hamburg, Cologne v Augsburg, Heidenheim v Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg v Stuttgart, Bayern Munich v Borussia Dortmund (1630)

Sunday

Freiburg v Eintracht Frankfurt, St Pauli v Hoffenheim (1530)

Old rivals Bayern and Dortmund in top form for 'Klassiker' clash

 

Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said on Thursday that it was clear from early on that the club were going in the "wrong direction" under former coach Erik Ten Hag.

Ex-Manchester United boss Ten Hag was sacked last month after just two Bundesliga matches – the shortest managerial stint before a firing in the league's history.

Speaking with AFP and other media, Rolfes insisted that the "hard" decision to sack the Dutchman was the right call.

"If you have the feeling that you're going in the wrong direction, you shouldn't wait until you get there," he said.

"If it's not a good fit, it's better to split."

Sacked by Manchester United in October 2024, Ten Hag signed a contract with Leverkusen until 2027 in May as the successor to Xabi Alonso, who moved to Real Madrid.

Rolfes revealed that he spoke on the telephone with Alonso as Ten Hag's stint was unravelling.

Leverkusen were thumped 5-1 by Flamengo's under-20s in a pre-season friendly in Brazil in Ten Hag's opening game in charge.

"Let's say it this way, it was not good," Rolfes said of the surprise loss.

Ten Hag's two league matches in charge were a home defeat to Hoffenheim and a 3-3 draw against 10-man Werder Bremen, despite having led 3-1 with a numerical advantage.

"You need a bit of time to adapt, but the feeling was we were not making the steps in the best way. And it was not getting better fast.

"You need the head coach and the coaching staff to give stability to the players and we didn't feel this."

Rolfes said the club wanted "to be fast with this decision", adding that "most of the time you wait too long, waiting for bad results".

Since Ten Hag left, the club have been unbeaten, with three wins and three draws in all competitions, while they have climbed up to fifth in the Bundesliga.

'DOMINANT' WIRTZ TO COME GOOD

The 43-year-old Rolfes also backed former Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz to overcome his teething problems at Liverpool, saying it was the "right decision" for him to move on from the Bundesliga.

Wirtz has no goals and no assists in nine Premier League and Champions League games since signing for the Reds for an initial £100 million that could rise to £116 million.

Rolfes, who brought the Germany midfielder to the club in 2020, said that criticism was "part of the game", but pointed to data which showed that Wirtz had "created the most chances in the Premier League" since his move.

Rolfes said that Wirtz's problems were linked to those of Liverpool.

"Florian is a team player. And at the moment, they're in the process of creating a team," Rolfes said.

"When the team is playing more like a team and everyone has his role, Florian's quality will rise.

"There's no doubt he will make it and become a really dominant football player."

Bayern Munich's perfect run in the Bundesliga faces its toughest test of the season so far when unbeaten Borussia Dortmund visit the champions on Saturday in 'Der Klassiker'.

The Bavarians have won all 10 of their matches in all competitions and top the Bundesliga on 18 points, four ahead of second-placed Dortmund.

Vincent Kompany's team have chalked up six league wins on the trot, scoring more than four goals per game on average.

Top scorer Harry Kane has been in scintillating form having bagged 11 in the league already, and the England captain also scored twice on Tuesday in a 5-0 win over Latvia that sealed their spot at the 2026 World Cup.

New signing Luis Diaz has seamlessly integrated into the Bayern side, adding another five league goals and four assists, but both forwards will have their work cut out against Dortmund, who have conceded one goal in their last five Bundesliga games.

The Ruhr Valley club have emerged as Bayern's main title rivals under coach Niko Kovac, with a defensive strength and stability that has been lacking in previous seasons.

They also have a lightning-quick attack, led by Serhou Guirassy and Karim Adeyemi.

"The team has developed in a good direction," Kovac said in a Bundesliga website interview on Thursday. "We have consistency, we have continuity.

"A big compliment to the lads, because they take it on board and try to implement it every day in training. And, of course, at the weekend, which is very important.”

Dortmund have earned a win and a draw in their last two visits to the Allianz Arena but Kovac said Bayern remained overwhelming favourites on Saturday.

"I hope that now, in Munich, it will be a positive experience for us. Especially since, clearly, Bayern are the top favourites," Kovac said.

"We are a big club ... but Bayern are the record champions.

"They are by far the team with the most titles. Bayern are on another level."

Dortmund will look to put down an early marker in the season and close the gap with Bayern.

"With a good result, we might be able to close the gap," Kovac said. "If it’s a draw, we remain four points behind. A lot is at stake, because if you achieve a good result against a direct competitor, it can count double."

Striker Harry Kane has indicated that he is open to extending his stay at Bayern Munich beyond 2027 when his current contract ends, saying his desire to return to the Premier League has dimmed.

Kane has set a string of records since joining Bayern from boyhood club Tottenham Hotspur in 2023, scoring 103 goals in 106 appearances across all competitions and winning the Bundesliga and German Super Cup.

His performances have ignited transfer speculation, with the 32-year-old having a reported 67 million euro ($78.42 million) release clause in his contract.

Asked about extending his contract, Kane told British media: "I could definitely see that. I spoke openly a couple of weeks ago that I have not had those conversations with Bayern yet.

"But if they were to arise I would be willing to talk and have an honest conversation. Obviously it depends on how the next year or so goes and what we achieve together.

"Right now, I would say we are in a fantastic moment and I am not thinking about anything else."

Last month, Tottenham manager Thomas Frank said there were many supporters who would like to see Kane return to the Premier League, where he is the second-highest scorer of all time with 213 goals - 47 behind Alan Shearer.

"In terms of the Premier League, I don't know. If you had asked me when I first left to go to Bayern, I would have said for sure I would come back," Kane said.

"Now I have been there a couple of years I would probably say that has gone down a little bit, but I wouldn't say I would never go back.

"What I have learned in my career is that different opportunities and different timings happen and things fall in place. Going back to my first point with Bayern, right now I am fully all in with Bayern."

Captain Kane is part of the England squad which will host Wales in a friendly on Thursday at Wembley, before heading to Riga to play Latvia in a World Cup qualifier on October 14.

An excellent solo effort from Bilal El Khannouss took Stuttgart to a 1-0 home victory over Heidenheim and into fourth place in the Bundesliga on Sunday.

-- NIGERIA ONLY --

Smarting after a disappointing Europa League loss to Basle on Thursday, Stuttgart struggled to create chances against a Heidenheim side languishing second-bottom in the table.

In teeming rain, Leicester City loanee El Khannouss collected the ball just outside the area in the 65th minute, cut inside two Heidenheim defenders and curled a perfectly placed low shot in off the far post.

Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic looked to have added a second in stoppage time with a clever chip, but the goal was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.

After their third straight league win, Stuttgart are now six points behind league leaders Bayern Munich and two points back from second-placed Borussia Dortmund.

Later on Sunday, Hamburg host Mainz while Freiburg travel to bottom club Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane set a Bundesliga scoring record and Luis Diaz netted twice as the leaders cruised past hosts Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 on Saturday to continue a flawless start to the season with their sixth consecutive league win.

Kane, who also hit the woodwork from point-blank range in the second half, rifled in his 11th league goal in the 27th minute and become the first Bundesliga player to reach that mark after six matches. He has now scored 18 goals in 10 matches across all competitions this season.

Bayern, who also set a Bundesliga scoring record with 25 goals from the first six league games, have won all 10 competitive matches this term.

The Bavarians, top on 18 points, have a four-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who drew 1-1 at home to RB Leipzig earlier on Saturday. Frankfurt are sixth on nine points.

Fresh from a 5-1 demolition of Pafos in the Champions League on Tuesday, Bayern shot out of the blocks and needed just 15 seconds to take the lead with Colombia international Diaz's tap-in at the far post and Frankfurt caught napping.

Both teams then had the ball in the net in a rollercoaster start to the game only to be caught offside but Bayern came close to a second goal when Frankfurt's Robin Koch tried to clear a cutback and sent the ball bouncing onto the crossbar.

The tempo gradually dropped off but Kane struck from outside the box, finding just enough space to unleash an unstoppable low drive and put Bayern 2-0 up.

Frankfurt never managed to recover and were on the backfoot even after Bayern eased off midway through the second half. Diaz then drilled in his second goal in the 84th with a superb turn and shot to make it five league goals for the new recruit.

The Bundesliga's top four are set to collide this weekend, giving the in-form sides a chance to measure where they stand against title favourites Bayern Munich.

Leaders Bayern travel to fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday, just hours after Borussia Dortmund host RB Leipzig as second meets third.

Bayern have exploded out of the blocks this season, spearheaded by Harry Kane, who is enjoying arguably the best form of his career.

The Bavarians have won nine from nine in all competitions so far and the 32-year-old Kane is rewriting records.

Fresh from becoming the fastest man to 100 goals with a club in Europe's top five leagues last weekend against Werder Bremen, Kane bagged another brace in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Kane has 10 goals in just five Bundesliga games this season – including two hat-tricks – and is averaging two goals per game in Europe. He has scored 17 times in nine matches overall.

While Frankfurt enter Saturday's game as clear underdogs, they do have reasons for optimism. Despite being thrashed 5–1 by Atletico Madrid midweek, they boast a strong recent home record against Bayern, winning three and drawing one of their past four matches in Frankfurt.

Still, inconsistency has plagued Dino Toppmoeller's side. The summer sale of forward Hugo Ekitike left a noticeable gap, and while Frankfurt have impressed at times, they've also struggled defensively - conceding 12 goals in their last three matches.

Toppmoeller recognised the need to tighten up at the back, but said there was plenty to learn from Tuesday's thumping in the Spanish capital.

"We're not blind, we know we need to do better. We reached our limit, that happens in life and in football," he said.

"We'll take a lot from the game. It was an important experience," Toppmoeller added, stressing his young team was a work in progress.

Frankfurt captain Robin Koch also outlined what it will take to contain Bayern. "We have to defend as a team against Bayern, give them little space and win our challenges."

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund remain unbeaten this season, having comfortably seen off Athletic Bilbao 4–1 in the Champions League on Wednesday, despite a nervy late spell.

Dortmund's last domestic defeat came against Leipzig in March. Since then, Niko Kovac's men have gone 14 games without a loss, including 12 wins.

Kovac, known for his disciplined approach, credited his side's consistency to their focus on daily routines and tactical discipline.

"We're confident in our own abilities and we have managed to organise the games in such a way that we consistently perform well," he said on Thursday.

ONE TO WATCH: CAN UZUN

In-form midfielder Can Uzun looks to be the next young star to emerge from Eintracht Frankfurt's production line.

The 19-year-old's creativity in an attacking role and his eye for goal have helped Frankfurt manage without the injured Mario Goetze.

The teenager has scored in each of Frankfurt's five league games this season, while laying on three assists.

Uzun's form has been so strong that Germany have openly expressed regret at his choice to represent Turkey at international level.

"He's a player who was highly regarded by us. We tried everything, but we didn't succeed," said German FA sporting director Andreas Rettig.

"He's chosen Turkey, and we have to respect that."

Key stats

4 - Dortmund have kept four clean sheets in a row, their best mark in five years.

1 - Since a 6-0 thrashing by Bayern in the season opener, Leipzig have won four from four, conceding just one goal.

0 - Borussia Moenchengladbach are the only winless side remaining this season. Sporting director Roland Virkus stepped down on Tuesday.

Fixtures (1330 GMT unless stated)

Friday

Hoffenheim v Cologne (1830)

Saturday

Bayer Leverkusen v Union Berlin, Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig, Werder Bremen v St Pauli, Augsburg v Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayern Munich (1630)

Sunday

Stuttgart v Heidenheim, Hamburg v Mainz (1530), Borussia Moenchengladbach v Freiburg (1730)

Germany defender Josha Vagnoman's 81st-minute goal took Stuttgart to a 2-1 win at Cologne on Sunday.

Cologne, promoted in the summer after a season in the second division, went ahead after just four minutes when Jakub Kaminski slid the ball into the bottom corner.

Ermedin Demirovic, awarded a penalty despite not going down in the box, levelled things up from the spot after 28 minutes – scoring for the third straight game in succession.

With nine minutes remaining, Vagnoman latched onto an inch-perfect pass from Germany teammate Angelo Stiller and turned the ball into the far corner.

German Cup holders Stuttgart lost three of their first five matches in all competitions to open the season, but have now won three in a row.

Earlier, Freiburg were held to a 1-1 draw at home against Hoffenheim, missing out on a third consecutive Bundesliga win.

Freiburg stumbled out of the gates this season, after finishing fifth last term, with consecutive defeats, but bounced back with victories over Stuttgart and Werder Bremen.

Lukas Kuebler put the hosts in front early, tapping in from close range after a Vincenzo Grifo corner in the third minute.

Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani scored 10 minutes later, turning in from Vladimir Coufal's low cross after the Czech full-back snatched the ball from the Freiburg defence.

Asllani now has four goals in five Bundesliga games to start the season.

Freiburg, who opened their Europa League campaign with a 2-1 home win over neighbours Basle, play at Serie A side Bologna on Thursday.

Hamburg visit Union Berlin in Sunday's late game.

Freiburg were held on Sunday to a 1-1 draw at home against Hoffenheim, missing out on a third consecutive Bundesliga win.

Freiburg stumbled out of the gates this season, after finishing fifth last term, with consecutive defeats but bounced back with victories over Stuttgart and Werder Bremen.

Lukas Kuebler put the hosts in front early, tapping in from close range after a Vincenzo Grifo corner in the third minute.

Hoffenheim's Fisnik Asllani scored 10 minutes later, turning in from Vladimir Coufal's low cross after the Czech full-back snatched the ball from the Freiburg defence.

Asllani now has four goals in five Bundesliga games to start the season.

Freiburg, who opened their Europa League campaign with a 2-1 home win over neighbours Basle, play at Serie A side Bologna on Thursday.

Later on Sunday, Cologne host Stuttgart and Hamburg visit Union Berlin.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick will be out until mid-October with a thigh injury sustained in Saturday's 2-1 win at St Pauli, his club said Sunday.

Leverkusen issued a statement saying they would be "without striker Patrik Schick in the upcoming matches," adding the forward was "aiming for a return for the Bundesliga away game at Mainz on October 18".

The forward will be missing for Wednesday's home match with PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, along with Saturday's Bundesliga game against Union Berlin.

A Czech international with 24 goals in 48 games, Schick is also likely to miss next month's World Cup qualifiers against Croatia and the Faroe Islands.

The 29-year-old has three goals and an assist in five Bundesliga games this season.

Unbeaten double winners in 2023-24, Leverkusen underwent a major overhaul in the summer and are thin up front, having sent Schick's one-time strike partner Victor Boniface out on loan to Werder Bremen on deadline day.

Borussia Dortmund striker Karim Adeyemi inspired his side to a comfortable 2-0 win at Mainz in the German Bundesliga on Saturday, as Eintracht Frankfurt beat Borussia Moenchengladbach 6-4.

Adeyemi was involved in both goals, scoring the second, as Dortmund cruised to their fourth win of the season to keep the heat on league leaders Bayern Munich.

Niko Kovac's side remain just two points behind Bayern, who beat Werder Bremen 4-0 on Friday.

"Karim did really well on the break," Kovac said of the Germany forward.

4 Bundesliga wins in a row! 👏 pic.twitter.com/FXZrX8Nm06

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) September 27, 2025

"We have two of the fastest players in the league with him and Maxi Beier, so we should be using that option."

Dortmund remain unbeaten this season ahead of their Champions League clash with Spanish side Athletic Bilbao this Wednesday.

Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy is a doubt to face the Basque outfit after he was a late withdrawal from the Mainz game with a thigh issue.

"We hope Serhou will be available for Bilbao and we will try everything to make it happen," Kovac said.

"But we won't take any risks because we know we are going to need him later on in the season."

Adeyemi's pace was devastating on the counter-attack as Dortmund established a comfortable lead before half-time.

The striker launched the move, which led to the first goal, racing away on the right seconds after Mainz hit the post.

The move ended with Daniel Svensson tapping in at the far post.

It wasn't long before Adeyemi was tormenting the home side once again.

Just 15 minutes later, he launched another brutal break, this time slotting the ball home himself after a neat one-two with Julian Brandt.

The striker's pace proved the difference again in the second half, when he sprinted 30 yards to beat goalkeeper Robin Zentner to a loose ball on the edge of the area.

Zentner arrived a split second too late, clipping Adeyemi's legs and earning himself a red card.

 10-GOAL THRILLER 

Eintracht Frankfurt won a 10-goal thriller at Borussia Moenchengladbach in a rollercoaster rehearsal for their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

Robin Koch headed Frankfurt in front after just 11 minutes and Ansgar Knauff swept home a second shortly afterwards.

Jonny Burkardt, Fares Chaibi and Can Uzun added three more before halftime and Gladbach's nightmare continued immediately after the break, as Koch scored from a corner once again to make it 6-0.

The home side improved markedly in the second half and came close to launching a famous comeback with three late goals.

Jens Castrop and Haris Tabakovic both scored with their heads and Yannik Engelhardt added a third on 85 minutes.

Yet Grant-Leon Ranos' stoppage-time header was only enough to salvage some pride.

Gladbach remain rooted to the bottom of the table with two points from five games, while Frankfurt climb to fourth.

Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen won 2-1 at St Pauli while Wolfsburg's miserable home form continued with a 1-0 defeat to RB Leipzig.

Edmond Tapsoba bundled in Leverkusen's opener on 25 minutes after St Pauli failed to clear a free-kick from Alejandro Grimaldo. The lead lasted only seven minutes before Hauke Wahl hooked in an equaliser from a corner.

Dutch talent Ernest Poku restored the lead with his first Bundesliga goal after half-time, slotting home from close range after a sharp one-two between Grimaldo and Patrik Schick had unlocked the St Pauli back line.

Harry Kane scored twice to reach 100 goals for Bayern Munich on Friday as the German champions continued their perfect start to the Bundesliga season with a 4-0 win over Werder Bremen.

Playing his 104th game for Bayern, Kane becomes the fastest man to 100 goals with a club in Europe's top-five leagues, breaking the record of 105 matches jointly held by Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland.

Harry Kane becomes the fastest player ever to reach 100 goals for FC Bayern, coming in only his 104th game.

He also beats the European record held by Cristiano Ronaldo at Real Madrid and Erling Haaland at Manchester City, who got there in 105 games. pic.twitter.com/PQBrBrw7mS

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) September 26, 2025

The England striker is averaging two goals a game in the current Bundesliga campaign.

1️⃣0️⃣4️⃣ Games
1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ Goals

Simply magnificent from Harry Kane! 💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/pyejUja2nS

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) September 26, 2025

Bayern celebrated the first weekend of Oktoberfest in style as a brace from Kane and goals from Jonathan Tah and Konrad Laimer saw them claim their fifth win in five league games.

Kane had two early chances to score as he and Michael Olise carved through the Bremen defence in the opening minutes.

He skewed the first chance wide and was denied on the second by Arsenal loanee and Bundesliga debutant Karl Hein in the Bremen goal.

Tah gave Bayern the lead on 22 minutes, flicking in an elegant backheel off Luis Diaz's knee after a fizzing cross from Olise.

The visitors were looking to hit Bayern on the break, but became increasingly fenced into their own penalty area as the first half progressed.

Another milestone appearance! ✨

Joshua Kimmich comes on for his 300th appearance for FC Bayern 👏 pic.twitter.com/3pOgjanfQm

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) September 26, 2025

Kane struck just before the break, drawing a foul from Marco Friedl in the box and slotting the penalty coolly into the bottom corner.

That was his 99th goal in a Bayern shirt, and 20 minutes after the break, he sidefooted in a pass from Diaz to bring up his century.

Laimer added a fourth after a well-worked move three minutes from time, but not for the first time in the Allianz Arena, it was Kane’s night.

The former Tottenham striker now has 15 goals in eight games across all competitions so far this season.

His breathtaking run of form comes amid rumours linking him with a move either to Barcelona or a return to the Premier League next summer.

Searching for the breakthrough 🔎

16' | #FCBSVW | 0-0 pic.twitter.com/rZlBfTnaVQ

— FC Bayern (@FCBayernEN) September 26, 2025

Yet ahead of the game, Bayern's director of sport Christoph Freund dismissed those reports as gossip.

"There are always plenty of rumours about Bayern Munich players, but when you see how much fun Harry is having here and how hard he is working, then I think and hope he will be staying with us for a long time," said Freund.

He added that in current form, the 32-year-old was "the best Harry Kane we've ever seen".