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Robert Lewandowski was on the scoresheet again, but Serge Gnabry was Bayern Munich’s main man when the day two curtain closed against Cologne on Sunday, scoring the winner in a 3-2 victory after the visitors fought to equalize.
Bayern Munich 3-2 Cologne
Goals: 1-0 Lewandowski (50 ‘), 2-0 Gnabry (59 ‘), 2-1 Modest (60 ‘), 2-2 Uth (62 ‘), 3-2 Gnabry (71 ‘)
There was a moving tribute to the late Gerd Müller ahead of kick-off, as the Bayern and Germany legend passed away earlier this week, but there was little scoring action he had the used to thrive in the first half. Leon Goretzka and Thomas Müller had presentable openings but failed to make any clear connection to their efforts on goal, while Gnabry was pushed back by a final block from Jorge Mere. Cologne were well organized at the back and tried to pounce on the counter, but as the first half ended with 13 scoring attempts – nine from Bayern – only one of them had been framed told the story of the first 45 minutes.
Julian Nagelsmann brought in Jamal Musiala for Leroy Sane in the interim and the teenager made an instant impact. Moments after firing a narrow shot over the bar, the Germany international was the catalyst for the breakthrough, passing his marker on the left before removing the ball so Lewandowski could kick at point blank range. Gnabry doubled Bayern’s advantage soon after, leaving most spectators to expect the reigning champions to run away with things in the playoffs – but Cologne had other ideas and immediately retaliated. Anthony Modeste closed the gap by passing behind Niklas Süle on his way home, and Mark Uth equalized two minutes later on a cross from Modeste’s right wing. Faced with the audacity of the visitors, Bayern increased the pressure even further and got their reward when Gnabry entered the far post to give them their first Bundesliga victory of the season.
Match statistics
- Lewandowski is unbeaten in 16 Bundesliga games with Cologne (W14, D1), scoring 15 goals. Bayern’s No.9 has scored for the 12th consecutive league game, tying his own personal best.
- Gnabry now has 11 goals in eight league games against the Billy Goats.
- Bayern are on the longest unbeaten home run of any current Bundesliga club (W23, D5).
- Hector made his 169th Bundesliga appearance here. The Cologne skipper has faced Bayern nine times, losing eight and drawing.
- Uth has five goals in nine outings against Bayern – Marco Reus is the only player still active to have scored more against the Reds (eight in 19).
- Modeste has scored three goals in 10 games against Bayern, but has not won any (D2, L8).
To concern: Nagelsmann: “We still have a lot to do”
Queues
Bayern: Neuer (c) – Süle, Upamecano, Nianzou (Stanisic 46 ‘), Davies (C. Richards 88’) – Kimmich, Goretzka (Tolisso 66 ‘) – Sane (Musiala 46’), Müller, Gnabry (Choupo-Moting 76 ‘ ) – Lewandowski
Unused subtitles: Ulreich, O. Richards, Sarr, Tillman
Outside: Coman (hamstrings), Hernandez (knee), Pavard (ankle), Roca (ankle)
Coach: Julien nagelsmann
Cologne: T. Horn – Ehizibue, Mere, Czichos, Hector (c) – Skhiri – Thielmann, Ljubicic (Schaub 76 ‘), Uth (Duda 66’), Kainz (Andersson 69 ‘) – Modeste (Lemperle 76’)
Unused subtitles: Urbig, Schmitz, Özcan, Schindler, Ostrak
Outside: J. Horn (hip), Hübers (knee), Schwäbe (hand)
Coach: Steffen Baumgart
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