1. FC Köln 1-3 Bayern Munich (Bundesliga Review)
- Bayern bounce back after midweek UCL exit
- May 6, 2018
- 2 min read
After a tiring and long week with their unfortunate UCL exit, finally blew in winds of relief at the Bavarian tenthouse as Bayern Munich came from behind with three goals in fifteen minutes setting up a 1-3 win as they faced a relegated Cologne on Saturday eve. Back to back netters from James Rodriguez, Robert Lewandowski and Corentin Tolisso helped the Bundesliga champions come from behind to win at their last away clash.
Though both teams had nothing to achieve or lose on this season penultimate RheinEnergieStadion clash as Cologne's relegation from the Bundesliga was confirmed last week, while Bayern have been champions since April 7th but the infield battle never gave it's hint.
Cologne took an early lead in the 29th minute when Niklas Sule was unfortunate to curve into his own net past Sven Ulreich from a Christian Clemens cross leading to the defender's 3rd own goal of the season levelling the Bundesliga record with Manfred Kaltz (77-78). Bayern made a sloppy start despite Jupp Heynckes brought in his regular eleven to heal form the Madrid loss.
With repeated errors in the half and back line it seemed to be yet another bad day for the german champions but Bayern brought a tremendous turnover into the game after interval, with Rafinha and Thomas Muller combining twice to set up James Rodriguez and then Robert Lewandowski for simple close-range finishes in the 59th and 61st minutes. Corentin Tolisso sealed the scoreline for the day with 12 minutes remaining when he headed home past Timo Horn from a perfect cross by James.
Ulreich's mistake cost Bayern against Madrid but the goalkeeper made many crucial saves throughout denying Simon Terodde, Zoller and Pizzaro several times to make Cologne add up to the score sheet. Timo Horn too on the other side saved the Billy Goats on multiple occasions, showing off his sensational reflex when he saved a point blank header from Lewandowski in the 15th minute. Horn got his deserved praise from the home crowd who is set to stay at Cologne in the upcoming season despite facing relegation.
Cologne coach Ruthenbeck was sent off to the stands in the last quarters by Bibiana Steinhaus, the female referee officiating a Bundesliga game of Bayern for the first time after protesting her decision of not awarding a penalty against Sule who appeared to drag Terodde down in the box. It was a good day for Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes, receiving an early Birthday present from his team who is about to turn 73 next week.
So as the league table stands, Bayern Munich increases their table top lead to 84 points where as Cologne's point count remain unchanged at the bottom of the table with 22 points after 33 round of game weeks.
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