BERLIN — Bayern Munich cruised to a 3-0 home win over Bayer Leverkusen today despite benching Harry Kane and several others ahead of tomorrow’s trip to European champions Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea loanee Nicolas Jackson grabbed his first Bundesliga goal, Serge Gnabry opened the scoring and Bayern forced an own goal — all in the first half.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany benched Kane for the first time in any competition this season, as well as forwards Michael Olise, Luis Diaz and defender Dayot Upamecano.

The absences did not bother Bayern, who have begun the season in fearsome form. The victory was Bayern’s 15th in 15 games, extending their own record for the best start to a season in the history of Europe’s top-five leagues.

Gnabry opened the scoring with 25 minutes gone, catching former Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah napping to score on the counter.

Jackson headed in a cross while unmarked on the penalty spot shortly after.

Just before half-time, France centre-back Loic Bade cut the ball into his own net while trying to control a Raphael Guerreiro pass.

The defeat ended Leverkusen’s unbeaten run away from home at 37 matches, a Bundesliga record.

Leverkusen had not lost to Bayern in the league since September 2022 — a run which included their unbeaten league and cup double in 2023–24.

The victory restored Bayern’s five-point lead atop the table.

In the Champions League, Bayern, who have won three from three, sit second in the table on goal difference behind PSG.