DFB-Pokal: Bayern advance without much sparkle

Bayern Munich needed a shock before settling into the role of defending champions. Robin Meißner gave second-tier VfL Osnabrück a surprise lead after only five minutes, striking from 30 meters in front of a sold-out crowd at the Bremer Brücke stadium.

The goal briefly stunned Bayern, but the record cup winners quickly restored the expected order. Harry Kane equalized in the 18th minute after an Osnabrück defensive error, and Tom Bischof put the visitors ahead six minutes later. Michael Olise added a third in the 73rd minute, before Kane completed the 4-1 win from the penalty spot in the 86th.

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We have given it everything until the end. Before the game, we already knew it would be a difficult test. So we are simply happy that we won.

“It's no easy evening. The key to the success was our discipline,” Kane told ARD. Bayern goalkeeper Jonas Urbig said the team had known before kickoff that the match would provide a difficult test. Osnabrück coach Timo Schultz called Meißner's strike “an absolute dream goal,” while Urbig praised the finish into the corner.

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It's no easy evening. The key to the success was our discipline.

Bayern fielded a strong starting lineup that included Kane, Joshua Kimmich, Luis Díaz and Olise. Jamal Musiala, however, remained out of the squad. Coach Vincent Kompany said Musiala was improving but left open whether the 23-year-old would return against Schalke in the Bundesliga. Musiala has missed time after two on-field collapses linked to a neurological illness, and his medication had to be adjusted.

The victory sent Bayern through as the final club to secure a second-round place. The draw will take place Saturday at the German Football Museum in Dortmund.

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An absolute dream goal.