Bayern clinical once again to dispatch Köln in Pokal victory | OneFootball

Under the lights at the RheinEnergieStadion, Bayern survived an early scare before running out comfortable winners, their red-hot attacking trio continuing to shine as Harry Kane struck twice, joined on the scoresheet by Luis Díaz and Michael Olise.

The match began at full throttle with strong challenges from both sides and an early booking for Said El Mala setting the tone. Chances quickly followed - Isak Jóhannesson forced a superb save from Jonas Urbig, while Díaz and Kane both went close at the other end.

Lukas Kwasniok’s side looked dangerous from set pieces and took a deserved lead just past the half-hour mark. Jóhannesson’s pinpoint corner found Ragnar Ache, who rose unmarked to head home and ignite wild celebrations. Yet those cheers barely lasted five minutes before Bayern hit back. Konrad Laimer drove forward unopposed and found Josip Stanišić, whose effort was spilled into the path of Díaz for a simple tap-in - though replays suggested he may have been offside, with VAR not in use until the next round.

Two minutes later, Bayern turned the game on its head. Laimer fed Olise on the edge of the area, and the winger’s clever through ball released Kane, who held off Eric Martel and finished brilliantly from a tight angle past Ron-Robert Zieler to silence the home crowd.

After the break, Vincent Kompany’s side took full control. Díaz missed a golden one-on-one chance, but Kane made no mistake on the hour mark, heading home a Joshua Kimmich corner to make it 3-1 and give Bayern breathing room.

Any remaining doubt was erased in the 72nd minute when a swift counterattack ended with Díaz squaring for Olise to slot past Zieler for 4-1.

Another comprehensive win for Bayern, who march on in the Pokal and remain perfect across all competitions. Köln, undone by sheer quality, will need to regroup quickly ahead of Sunday’s key Bundesliga clash with Hamburger SV.