Bayern Munich beat Cologne 4-1, setting a record in the first 14 matches of the season

Bayern Munich beat Cologne 4-1 in the 1/16 round of the German Cup to set a 14-match winning streak since the start of the season, according to Opta. This milestone surpassed AC Milan's 30-year-old European record (13 matches, 1992/93 season), consolidating the "Gray Tigers" position as the most stable team on the continent at the present time.

Turning point at RheinEnergieStadion

Cologne started the game confidently and took the lead. In the 31st minute, Ragnar Ache jumped high to head the ball from a corner kick, opening the score 1-0 for the home team. The loss forced Bayern to react immediately.

Just 5 minutes later, Luis Diaz moved to the right spot to tap the ball into the net to equalize. This situation caused controversy because of the possibility of offside, but without VAR, the goal was still recognized.

Two minutes later, the familiar order was restored: Harry Kane turned and shot with his left foot very quickly in the penalty area, putting Bayern up 2-1. From being suppressed, Bayern completely regained psychological leverage and the tempo of the match.

Kane scored twice, Bayern controlled the second half

After the break, the visitors controlled the game tightly, minimizing Cologne's counter-attacks and pushing the match into safe areas. In the 64th minute, Kane completed his double with a powerful header, bringing the score to 3-1.

Michael Olise then sealed the 4-1 win with a fine cross-angle finish. The scoreline accurately reflected the period when Bayern suffocated their opponents with coolness and quality in decisive moments.

With his double against Cologne, Kane has 22 goals in 14 games this season – a performance that shows the influence of the English striker in Bayern's current attacking structure.

Tactical analysis: rhythm control and decision making

Bayern did not panic after conceding the goal. They quickly regained control with solid passing in midfield, pulling Cologne deep and exploiting gaps in the half. The equaliser came from patience and good positioning in the box, while Kane’s goal was a testament to the quality of his decision-making at speed.

After taking the lead, Bayern changed the explosive point: slowing down risky moves, increasing the frequency of second ball contests, and closing down the space in front of the penalty area. The initiative in controlling risks made it difficult for Cologne to have a chance to come back. Bayern also managed high balls and set pieces better in the second half – a decisive difference compared to the first 30 minutes.

Kane is the key individual in setting the tempo. His left-footed spin finish shows his skill in tight spaces; his header is about choosing the optimal landing spot. With the striker being both a link-up man and a finisher, Bayern have an attacking structure that is flexible enough to overcome difficult scenarios.

European record and long-term impact

According to Opta, Bayern's 14-game winning streak since the start of the season is a record in European football history for teams in the top 5 leagues. This milestone surpasses AC Milan's 13-game winning streak in the 1992/93 season, emphasizing the exceptional stability of the "Gray Tigers".

The victory not only takes Bayern to the quarter-finals of the German Cup, but also creates a positive psychological foundation for the next stage. With the system running smoothly and key players maintaining form, the Munich team has enough momentum to continue the winning streak.

Notable statistics

• Score: Cologne 1-4 Bayern Munich (German Cup round of 16).
• Winning streak: 14 games since the start of the season (according to Opta) – European record.
• Old record: AC Milan 13 matches (1992/93 season).
• Goals: Cologne – Ragnar Ache 31'; Bayern – Luis Diaz 36' (estimated based on the 5-minute mark), Harry Kane 38', 64', Michael Olise.
• Harry Kane: double in this match; 22 goals/14 matches this season.