Bayern victory against Cologne
Lewandowski shows his class – he wants to achieve great things on Monday
With his three goals against Cologne, Robert Lewandowski underlines his claim to be voted World Player of the Year
© Ina Fassbender / AFP
Robert Lewandowski scored three goals in the superior 4-0 win against 1. FC Köln. It was his 300th goal in the Bundesliga and at the same time underlined why he should be named FIFA World Player of the Year again on Monday.
At the end of a perfect working day in complicated times, Manuel Neuer got hold of a very special souvenir. “The kepi is legendary, everyone would like to have it,” said the Bayern goalkeeper about the most unusual jersey swap of his career. After the impressive 4-0 away win at 1. FC Köln, Neuer swapped his jersey for the cult cap worn by FC coach Steffen Baumgart.
“I’m glad I have her now,” he said. And Baumgart was at least happy about that, despite his team’s deserved defeat. “I’ve wanted a shirt from Manu for a long time,” he said with a smile and explained in the catacombs of the Cologne stadium: “I’m someone who collects stuff like that.”
Cologne had no chance
Baumgart had previously had to watch how his team played with commitment against the reinvigorated permanent champion from Munich, but ultimately had no chance. “You have to say very clearly that we met a very good Bayern team today and we didn’t see a trick in the end,” he summed up on Saturday.
Led by the outstanding top scorer Robert Lewandowski, FCB demonstrated its power despite corona concerns and sent a signal to the black and yellow competition. A week after the 2-1 defeat against Borussia Mönchengladbach, three-goal scorer Lewandowski (9th/62nd/74th minute) and returnee Corentin Tolisso (25th) scored the goals for Bayern, with several top performers still missing or not were fully fit.
Due to the success, the series champion kept pursuers Borussia Dortmund, who had won 5-1 against SC Freiburg on Friday, at a distance. “I think that was important after last week and after Dortmund’s game, who played very well yesterday,” said Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Müller explained: “It was definitely an important sign for us internally, but also outwardly that Gladbach was a slip-up.” The Bundesliga leaders have a six-point lead over second-placed BVB. For Cologne it was the first defeat after three wins in a row.
Robert Lewandowski puts Bayern in the lead
Nagelsmann was able to rely on captain 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 goal setter.
The guests needed a few minutes to get into the game against brave Cologne, who repeatedly attacked early and put Bayern under pressure in their penalty area. Then the power football machine started.
Lewandowski gave the favorites the lead with the first chance. The very strong Müller had freed the Polish super striker with a lot of overview in the penalty area. Tolisso made it 2-0 on his comeback with a remarkable shot into the corner – Müller had again prepared well and given his 16th assist this season. “Scoring goals would be even more fun for me, but I’m a bit stupid at the moment or I don’t have the necessary bit of luck – depending on how much I want to defend myself,” joked Müller.
Julian Nagelsmann: I hope he wins
Whipped on by Baumgart, who was constantly on the move on the sidelines in temperatures just above freezing, FC tried to find a quick response after the setbacks. Mark Uth also briefly cheered up the 750 Cologne fans admitted to the stadium, but his goal was ruled offside (31′). On the other hand, Cologne keeper Marvin Schwäbe made a great save 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 been substituted on, and shortly afterwards and two days before the world footballer freestyle, he even scored his third goal. It was his 300th goal in the Bundesliga. “Hopefully he wins the deserved title on Monday,” said Nagelsmann with a view to the possible award of his exceptional attacker.
