FC Bayern München celebrated their 115th birthday with a 4-1 victory over 1. FC Köln. Their lead at the top of the Bundesliga currently stands at 11 points, although Wolfsburg could eat into the advantage on Sunday.
Bayern’s 21st victory in a row over a newly promoted side began well: Bastian Schweinsteiger headed home after three minutes to give Bayern the lead in his 333rd Bundesliga appearance for the club. The captain headed home a corner from Arjen Robben.
Franck Ribéry made it 2-0 after only 10 minutes. Köln had only conceded two goals in 2015 before this game! Anthony Ujah scored for Köln in first half injury time but goals from Robben (67’) and Lewandowski completed the rout for the record champions.
Köln, who are the second best team away from home in the division, have now lost 10 games this campaign. Tough times are ahead for Peter Stöger’s side, who are just three points clear of the relegation zone. Things could look worse after the rest of this weekend’s action is completed.
Strong start and clinical finish
Bayern dominated the early exchanges and they could have scored more goals in the first half but Timo Horn was in great form. The 21-year-old goalkeeper made great saves from Robben and Lewandowski as well as doing incredibly to prevent Dominic Maroh from scoring an own goal.
Köln were quiet for the majority of the first half but got one back shortly before the break. Ujah’s header was the first goal that Bayern had conceded for 423 minutes. The goal boosted the visitors and they could have levelled early in the second half but Manuel Neuer did well to keep out Ujah as well as stunning volley from Marcel Risse (59’).
Goals late in the second half from Robben and Lewandowski extinguished hope of a Köln equaliser and ensured that Bayern won on their 115th birthday.