Kane's Double Powers Bayern to Record European Start

Harry Kane scored twice as Bayern Munich defeated Cologne 4-1 in the German Cup second round, securing a European record of 14 successive victories to start a season across all competitions.

This record surpasses the 13-win mark set by AC Milan in 1992-93. The England captain's double including an "incredible curling strike" and a second-half header brought his season tally to 22 goals in 14 games. His performance earned praise from coach Vincent Kompany for his all-round contribution beyond scoring.

Cologne's early goal by Ragnar Ache was the first time Bayern had trailed all season. Goals from Luis Diaz and Michael Olise secured the decisive victory for the 20-time German Cup winners.

In another dramatic match, Bayer Leverkusen narrowly avoided a penalty shootout, winning 4-2 in extra-time against 10-man Paderborn. Late goals from 19-year-old Ibrahim Maza and Aleix Garcia sealed the win after Paderborn took a stunning 96th-minute lead through Sven Michel.

Current cup holders Stuttgart beat Mainz 2-0. Other teams advancing to the last 16 include Union Berlin, Freiburg, Magdeburg, and Kaiserslautern.