Kane scores four goals as Bayern battered Mainz 8-1

Harry Kane became the first man to score four hat-tricks in his debut Bundesliga season as Bayern Munich reduced Bayer Leverkusen’s advantage to seven points.

With Leverkusen hosting Wolfsburg on Sunday, Bayern looked to maintain the pressure on the runaway leaders and they responded with an emphatic win against relegation-threatened Mainz.

England captain Kane, 30, took his tally to 30 goals in 25 Bundesliga games, as well as providing a wonderful assist for Jamal Musiala.

Bayern are aiming for a record-extending 12th successive title but their tight grip on the Bundesliga is under severe threat of being lifted by Xabi Alonso’s impressive Leverkusen.

Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel insists his side, who put their domestic woes behind them to reach the Champions League quarter-finals on Tuesday, are not giving up hope.

While the former Chelsea manager said they understood the “reality” of the situation, he promised Bayern would continue to try to make “statements of intent”.