As keeper Manuel Neuer's injury comeback was overshadowed by a record three red cards in the first half, Bayern Munich destroyed Darmstadt 98 8-0 on Saturday with a Harry Kane hat-trick and all the goals coming in the second half to go top of the Bundesliga.

In the 52nd minute, Kane's diving header put the hosts ahead against nine-man Darmstadt, Reuters reported.

After Jamal Musiala's goal, Leroy Sane scored twice to end the game. Then, Kane scored from inside Bayern's half with a stunning 60-meter looping shot.

Kane completed his hat-trick with his 12th goal in nine league games in the 88th with his 12th goal of the season.

In the first 45 minutes of a league game, Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich and two Darmstadt players were sent off with straight red cards.

With 23 points, the Bavarians are one ahead of Bayer Leverkusen, who play Freiburg on Sunday. After losing 3-2 to Hoffenheim at home, VfB Stuttgart dropped to third place with 21 points. On Sunday, Borussia Dortmund travels to Eintracht Frankfurt, which is fourth on 20 points.

As Neuer led the team out of the dugout as captain, all eyes were on the 37-year-old, who broke his leg in a skiing accident in December 2022 following Germany's early World Cup exit.

A celebration turned sour in the fourth minute when Neuer passed the ball to Kimmich, who failed to control the ball and then pulled down Marwin Mehlem at the edge of the box.

In the 21st minute, the visitors also had 10 men following the dismissal of Klaus Gjasula for a last-man foul on Konrad Laimer.

After a quick Darmstadt break in the 36th, Neuer stopped Mehlem's shot with his right hand following a quick Darmstadt break before another player was sent off.

With three sendings-off in the first half, Matej Maglica set a league record by bringing down Kane in the 41st minute.

Bayern went on a rampage after the break, scoring eight goals in 37 minutes.

Kane's second goal from about 60 meters was a perfect candidate for goal of the year, despite Darmstadt's efforts in the first half.