SOCCER: Bayern ease past Heidenheim 4-0 to take nine-point lead into winter break

HEIDENHEIM, Germany — Undefeated Bayern Munich cruised past host Heidenheim with a commanding 4-0 victory on Sunday, heading into the winter break with a nine-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga standings.

The Bavarians, who remain unbeaten away from home in league play in 2025, sit on 41 points. Borussia Dortmund are second with 32 points after Friday’s 2-0 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach. Struggling Heidenheim remain 17th on 11 points.

It was one-way traffic from the opening whistle for Vincent Kompany’s side, despite the absence of injured Joshua Kimmich and Manuel Neuer, as well as suspended Konrad Laimer. Bayern took the lead in the 15th minute when Josip Stanisic headed in from close range at the far post after Heidenheim goalkeeper Diant Ramaj failed to clear a Jonathan Tah header.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 35th minute with a near-identical move, again catching the Heidenheim defense off guard. Michael Olise tapped in at the far post to make it 2-0.

Bundesliga top scorer Harry Kane came close to adding to the lead with a fine solo effort that rattled the post, while Heidenheim substitute Stefan Schimmer struck the crossbar with the hosts’ best chance of the match.

Schimmer missed another opportunity in the 78th minute when he found himself one-on-one with Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig but volleyed straight at the keeper.

Bayern sealed the win late on, with Luis Diaz scoring with a diving header in the 86th minute. Kane then capped the performance deep into stoppage time, finishing a well-worked move inside the box for his 19th league goal of the season.

The Bundesliga resumes on January 9. -Reporting by Karolos Grohmann/Reuters