Led by the outstanding goalscorer Robert Lewandowski, FC Bayern Munich defeated 1. FC Köln and demonstrated strength despite corona worries. Coach Julian Nagelsmann's team deservedly defeated the Rhinelanders 4-0 (2-0) on Saturday. A week after the 2-1 defeat against Borussia Mönchengladbach, Lewandowski (9th/62nd/74th minute) and returnee Corentin Tolisso (25th) scored the goals for Bayern, where several top performers were still absent or not completely healthy . Due to the success, the series champion kept pursuers Borussia Dortmund at a distance. The leader has a six-point lead over second-placed BVB. For the committed but ultimately hopeless Cologne team, it was the first defeat after three wins in a row.
Nagelsmann was able to rely on captain Manuel Neuer again in goal and on Tolisso in midfield.
The starting lineup was still a long way from his dream team.
Among others, Alphonso Davies (heart muscle inflammation after a corona infection), Leon Goretzka and Lucas Hernández were missing.
National player Leroy Sané returned at least as a substitute and then presented himself as a two-time goalkeeper.
The guests needed a few minutes to get into the game against courageous Cologne, who repeatedly attacked early and put Bayern under pressure in their penalty area.
Then the machinery of intense football started up.
Whipped on by Baumgart
Lewandowski gave the favorites the lead with the first chance. The very strong Thomas Müller released the Polish super striker with a lot of overview in the penalty area. Lewandowski's 21st goal of the season initially didn't count due to an alleged offside position, but after a check by the video assistant, Bayern were then allowed to celebrate. On his comeback, Tolisso made it 2-0 with a remarkable shot into the top corner – Müller had prepared well again and provided his 16th assist of the season.
Whipped on by coach Steffen Baumgart, who was constantly on the move on the sidelines at temperatures just above freezing, FC tried to find a quick response after the setbacks.
Mark Uth also briefly made the 750 Cologne fans who were allowed in the stadium happy, but his goal was ruled offside (31st).
On the other hand, Cologne goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe made strong saves against Müller (28') and Lewandowski (51').
When the 33-year-old scored the second goal, the goalkeeper was powerless.
Lewandowski made the decision after a pass from Sané, who had just come on as a substitute, and shortly afterwards and two days before the world footballer was chosen.
It was his 300th goal in the Bundesliga.