SAN FRANCISCO, October 31, (THEWILL) – The pair of Thomas Muller and Serge Gnabry were decisive for Bayern Munich as the Bundesliga champions secured an unspectacular 2-1 win over 16th-placed Cologne in the absence of high-scoring Robert Lewandowski on Saturday.
Talismanic Polish striker Lewandowski and industrious German central defensive midfielder Leon Goretzka were rested by coach Hansi Flick. Yet, Cologne were unable to take advantage. It allowed Bayern clinch a 12th win in 13 games against the Billy Goats.
Cologne did make an encouraging start to the game with Ismail Jakobs’ left-footed shot from just outside the area blocked by French right back Benjamin Pavard before it could do any damage.
However, Cologne soon found themselves trailing. In the 13th minute of the game, German right winger Marius Wolf handled Gnabry’s header in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Muller dispatched the ensuing penalty coolly.
The hosts very nearly found an equaliser soon after but Jakobs shot wide of the right-hand post having wriggled into space from the left side of the area.
By half time, Bayern had doubled their lead. Gnabry took control this time, as Bayern caught Cologne on a counter, he cut in from the right and placed a well-weighted left-footed effort into the bottom-far corner.
There was an apparent determination from the visitors to kill the game off immediately upon restarting. Leroy Sane and Gnabry particularly seemed to champion that push.
But, as the second period wore on, Bayern’s intensity waned. Cologne seized the initiative and almost pulled one back. Jakobs again was involved but he sent his header agonisingly wide of the left post in the 71st minute.
Cologne finally found the net eight minutes from time. German right winger Jan Thielmann’s shot deflected off right winger Dominick Drexler, who VAR judged to be just onside, and into the net to close the score gap.
That was as far as Cologne could manage as an equaliser was a step too far.
The decision to rest Lewandowski did not ultimately backfire. The goal-machine is in fiery form at the moment but, at 32 years of age, giving him an occasional rest can only be a good thing for his longevity.
Bayern are next in action on Tuesday when they travel to Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League. Cologne are also on the road for their next game against Werder Bremen on Friday.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
