Bayern make new Bundesliga record after another win

Bayern ran into a tough test in Cologne; it was significantly harder for them than in some previous visits to the Mungersdorf stadium, but the three new points did not fail to arrive. Despite a deficit that lasted a few minutes at the very end of the first half, Vincent Kompany’s side largely had the situation under control and in the end deservedly won 3–1. Lukas Kwasniok prepared the match very well, fired up his players for the battle with the Bavarians, and it was especially impressive that he found a way to go head-to-head at times with a far more powerful opponent. The Billy Goats were brave and determined, they made life very difficult for the champions, and for that they were rewarded with an honorable defeat—something that can be considered a success against a Bayern like this. With 47 points and a goal difference of 65-13 after 17 games, no team has ever had a better first half of the Bundesliga season .

That the hosts had no intention of retreating into their own half and waiting for the inevitable execution was clear as early as the second minute, when they had a chance to take the lead through Said El Male—a dangerous winger whom Bayern themselves are currently keeping an eye on. Manuel Neuer saved that attempt from the young Germany international, but in the 41st minute the experienced goalkeeper did not cover himself in glory, and it was not the first time this season.

It raises the question of whether he deserves a new contract and the number one spot next season as well. In any case, Linton Maina led the counterattack, reached the edge of the box, struck from 16–17 meters and “beat” Neuer. It is true that the shot was extremely powerful—the ball was traveling at over 100 kilometers per hour—but still, the impression remains that Bayern’s goalkeeper should have reacted better…

Had they held out for another minute or two and gone into the break with the lead, who knows how the second half might have unfolded. Especially since the Billy Goats were highly motivated, determined “to fight” for a win or at least a point. As it was, Serge Gnabry “cooled down” both the Koln players and the stadium atmosphere deep into stoppage time. Another assist was recorded by Michael Olise, though this time it was Gnabry’s move that took center stage. It was a real piece of craftsmanship, almost from a dead angle—ball off the ground, then over Marvin Schwabe and under the crossbar, for 1–1. Like Mesut Ozil once did. Koln wanted to match the fierce tempo that Bayern usually impose. And they did well. But in the closing stages there was a drop-off, which the visitors ruthlessly punished. The turnaround was brought by a Japanese–Korean combination (Ito–Kim), following a cross from Luis Díaz, and any remaining doubts about the winner were settled by the young Lennart Karl six minutes from the end.

BUNDESLIGA - MATCHDAY 17

Tuesday

Stuttgart - Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2 (2-1)

/Demirovic 27, Undav 35, Nartey 87 - Kristensen 5, Ayoube 80/

Dortmund - Werder 3-0 (1-0)

/Schlotterbeck 11, Sabitzer 75, Guirassy 83/

Hamburger - Leverkusen POSTPONED

Mainz - Heidenheim 2-1 (1-0)

/Widmer 30, Amiri 48 - Schimmer 60/

Wednesday

Wolfsburg - St. Pauli 2-1 (1-1)

/Eriksen 25 pen, Pejcinovic 88 - Smith 40/

Hoffenheim - M'gladbach 5-1 (4-0)

/Kramaric 22 pen, 45+1, 45+4, Lemperle 24, Moerstedt 77 - Machino 69/

Koln - Bayern Munich 1-3 (1-1)

/Maina 41 - Gnabry 45+5, Kim 71, Karl 84/

RB Leipzig - Freiburg 2-0 (0-0)

/Orban 53, Romulo 56/

Thursday

22.30: (2.60) Augsburg (3.25) Union Berlin (2.95)

***odds are subject to change***