Bayern Munich routs Osnabruck 4-1 to advance in German Cup as Kane strikes twice

A right-footed strike from about 30 meters out, curling into the top corner, silenced everyone in Osnabrück for a moment. It came off the boot of Robin Meissner, and it was so good that even the opponents applauded: Harry Kane and Bayern's own goalkeeper, Jonas Urbig, went over to congratulate the second-division forward. But that stunning goal ended up being little more than a nice footnote on a night that, in the end, belonged entirely to Bayern Munich.

The defending German Cup champion handled its trip to Osnabrück with authority, winning 4-1 to seal its place in the second round of the tournament. Kane was decisive once again with a brace, while Tom Bischof and Michael Olise rounded out the Bavarian rout.

The match opened with the surprise of Meissner's early goal, but Bayern wasted little time responding: Kane equalized shortly after, and Bischof made it 2-1 in the 24th minute. In the second half, with the result more under control than the early scoreline suggested, Olise sealed the win in the 73rd minute and Kane closed out the scoring from the penalty spot to make it a final 4-1.

What stood out was the lineup Vincent Kompany fielded. Despite the chance to rotate against lower-division opposition, the Belgian coach chose not to take any risks and started with much of his strongest group: Kane himself, Luis Diaz and Olise were all in from the opening whistle. Also making his first start was Ismael Saibari, the new signing from PSV Eindhoven.

The absence that raises concern

The biggest story off the field was, once again, the absence of Jamal Musiala. The German midfielder has yet to play since collapsing in two preseason matches due to a neurological issue, and he did not travel with the rest of the squad for this cup match.

Kompany left the door open to a possible return this coming weekend, when Bayern hosts newly promoted Schalke in the Bundesliga, though he was careful with his words.

It could be an option, but I don't want to put any more pressure on the kid.Vincent Kompany

The quote sums up the moment well: nobody wants to rush one of German soccer's brightest talents back after a scare of that magnitude. In the meantime, Bayern keeps proving it can win with or without him, which is no small thing this early in the season. With this result, Kompany's side takes another confident step toward defending the German Cup title it won last season.