Unblemished Victory for Bayern in Cologne!
FC Bayern keeps their unbeaten streak alive with a 1:0 triumph over Cologne.
Following an international break where 17 international Bayern players were away, there was no trace of fatigue in the German champions' performance. Much gratitude can be given to super striker Harry Kane (30), who once again shone brightly.
Twentieth Minute: A slipped pass from Kainz resulted in a golden opportunity for Cologne, which they squandered. In its wake, Laimer, Coman, and Sané seized the opportunity. Choupo-Moting's shot was saved on the line by Chabot, but Kane was there to capitalize – 1:0.
With his 18th goal of the season, Kane surpassed Cologne's total output (nine goals, the lowest in the Bundesliga).
Moreover, this 18-goal tally after twelve matchdays is a new Bundesliga record, surpassing Gerd Müller's previous record (✝ 75/17 goals).
Cologne can take solace in their deficit remaining at a single goal by half-time. Baumgart's experimental setup with a three-person backline was a resounding failure. The coach before the game admitted: "I've never played a back three before." It showed.
Cologne's defense was like a sieve, allowing Bayern free reign and failing to gain any traction. Only Schwäbe and an outpouring of chances kept Munich from extending their lead further. Chabot made vital saves against Sané (7th) and Choupo-Moting (22nd). Sané also missed a glorious opportunity (28th).
Despite Bayern's dominance even in the second half, Cologne remained stubbornly defensive. Chabot blocked a Sané shot with great aplomb (77th), and Coman hit the crossbar (78th). There was little in the way of attack from Baumgart's team throughout the match.
In the end, Kane's goal was enough to send Bayern rocketing back to the summit of the table, albeit temporarily. They leapfrogged Leverkusen, who faced Bremen that same day.
Statements of Interest: - FC Bayern Munich secured their twelfth consecutive victory, sweeping aside Cologne. - Harry Kane's remarkable goal tally now equates to twice the output of Cologne's crisis-ridden squad. - Bayern's spotless record since May 2024 has only been bolstered by Kane's latest strike, placing them atop the table.
Enrichment Factors: - Harry Kane's sumptuous goal-harvest in the 2023–2024 Bundesliga season included an impressive 36 goals, clinching him the European Golden Shoe award. - This remarkable achievement made Kane the first Englishman to finish a Bundesliga season as the top scorer. - As the second Englishman to receive the European Golden Shoe, Kane shared this accolade with Kevin Phillips. - Kane achieved multiple records during this successful campaign, including the fastest player to reach 50 goals in the Bundesliga and scoring against every Bundesliga side he faced.*
