Bayern Munich are navigating one of the most turbulent stretches in recent memory, and yet the football keeps delivering. A commanding 6-1 victory over second-division Magdeburg in the DFB-Pokal second round on Wednesday showed the squad's resilience, with Michael Olise scoring twice and Ismael Saibari impressing as Harry Kane's stand-in. The result extended Bayern's unbeaten run across all competitions, a distinction they hold alone among Europe's major league leaders.

The backdrop, though, is anything but settled. Coach Vincent Kompany collapsed at the training ground last Friday and was airlifted to hospital. Sportvorstand Max Eberl confirmed on Wednesday evening that the diagnosis is meningitis, and that Kompany has since been discharged and will recover at home. A return to the touchline before the November international break looks unlikely, leaving co-coach Aaron Danks in charge for what could be four more matches. Danks has handled the transition steadily, winning in Freiburg and now against Magdeburg.

Beyond Kompany, Bayern are managing a significant injury list. Manuel Neuer, Luis Diaz, Jamal Musiala and Joshua Kimmich, who is absent following the death of his father, all missed the cup tie. The defensive picture is also unsettled, with Min-jae Kim and Jonathan Tah competing for the second centre-back spot alongside Dayot Upamecano.

Saturday brings the Bundesliga Klassiker at home to Borussia Dortmund, who sit level on 17 points. The stakes could hardly be higher.