FC Koln 1-4 Bayern Munich: Harry Kane masterclass as perfect run continues | OneFootball

Bayern Munich progressed to the round of 16 of the DFL Pokal after beating FC Koln 4-1 away at RheinEnergieStadion on Wednesday night. 

Ragnar Ache opened the scoring for the home side after early Bayern pressure, but the Bundesliga leaders bounced back strongly.

Luis Diaz restored parity before Harry Kane scored twice in either half to pull the game in Bayern’s favour.

Michael Olise joined the scoring party to make it 4-1 as Vincent Kompany’s side maintained their perfect start to the season.

FC Koln vs Bayern Munich: Match report

(Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Despite early possession, it was FC Koln, who relied mainly on sharp counterattacks, that created the first big threat through Said El Mala, but Urbig produced a stunning save.

The home side created problems for the Bayern defenders through set pieces, and Urbig was forced to make a reactionary save to deny Ragnar Ache from close range.

Bayern had their first real effort on target in the 18th minute, when Luis Diaz made his trademark run from the wing to cut inside and have a shot on goal, which Zieler saved. On the rebound, Harry Kane could not find the target.

Moments later, Michael Olise made a slick pass to Konrad Laimer on the overlap. The defender delivered a superb floated cross for Kane, and while he met the header, there was not enough power to trouble the keeper.

Koln, meanwhile, kept asking questions, and Bayern nearly embarrassed themselves with a shambolic defence at the back, as Kaminski ripped through the defence. Still, he could not find the target after a brilliant work inside the box.

Two back-to-back blocks from Jonathan Tah and Dayot Upamecano kept Koln interested, but they finally got the goal from a corner. Ache rose between, beating Upamecano in the air to make it 1-0.

It took only five minutes for Bayern to equalise. Laimer made a surging run from the right-hand side and passed to Kane in the box. Kane passed to Diaz, who did not miss from close range, although he could have been in an offside position.

Two minutes later, Kane made it 2-1. Olise passed to Kane in the box. The England skipper showed great awareness to score with his left foot into the far corner.

In the 40th minute, Bayern produced a lightning counter-attack, involving Diaz, who found on-rushing Kimmich inside the box, but the midfielder could not keep it on target.

In the second half, Diaz had a goal at his mercy after being put through on goal. The Colombian raced away and only had the goalkeeper to beat, but he blazed his effort over the bar.

Koln kept on proving to be a significant threat from set-pieces, and once again, Ache got the better of Upamecano, but this time his header went wide off target.

In the 63rd minute, Bayern scored again through Kane. From a brilliant corner, Kimmich Kane ran away from his marker and tucked his header into the net to score his 22nd goal of this season.

Koln were mentally and physically beaten at that point, and Alexander Pavolic produced a magnificent cross in the path of Diaz, who crossed it to Olise to score from close range.

In the 86th minute, Linton Maina came close to scoring with a delightful movement, but the ball struck the post.

Here at CF Bayern Insider, we have rated the players out of 10.

Bayern Munich player ratings

Jonas Urbig (7) – Made some strong saves, especially one from Ache in the first half. He had very little to do in the second half.

Konrad Laimer (8) – With Stanisic back in the side, Laimer switched back to his customary right-back role, and he produced a top-class performance. Every time he moved forward with the ball at his feet, he struck terror in the opposition defence.

Dayot Upamecano (5) – Is the contract impasse finally affecting his performance? He was beaten at least twice by Ache in the air and made one or two uncharacteristic errors. Picked up a yellow card as well.

Jonathan Tah (7) – Arguably the better of the two centre-backs, Tah blocked a couple of shots and made as many as eight clearances.

Josip Stanisic(7) – It was not a terrific effort by any means, but that’s what Stanisic does – he provides solidity at the back.

Joshua Kimmich (7) – Kimmich made a great run in the box in the first half, but he could not hit the target. Produced a delightful delivery with his corner for Kane’s goal.

Alexander Pavlovic (7) – Another brilliant performance from the Bayern youngster. He provided a fantastic cross from the right to Diaz, which led to Olise’s goal.

Michael Olise (7) – It was a typical Olise performance. Goals, assists, and loads of great dribbles and excellent passes – it has become a weekly routine for him.

Luis Diaz (7) – The Colombian equalised for Bayern, and he is proving to be an excellent signing for the club. But he missed a great chance to score another goal in a 1-v-1 situation.

Serge Gnabry (6) – Looked rusty after returning from injury, missed one scoring chance, and was taken off after the hour mark.

Harry Kane (9) – It is another Harry Kane brace. It is another Harry Kane masterclass. He is in a league of his own.

Substititions

Leon Goretzka – NA

Lennart Karl – NA