Match awards from Bayern Munich’s 4-0 victory against FC Köln

Bayern Munich against FC Köln is always a big game on the stands. Today, it was Germany’s third-biggest city hosting the fourth-biggest. The supporters were noisy throughout a game that did not give out any surprises.

Köln started bravely. Even though they were down 1-0 after three minutes, the visitors were not afraid to press and take the game to the Bavarians. The second goal, coming from a corner early in the second half, felt like a kick in the teeth for Die Geißböcke. A red card followed by a penalty was the nail in the coffin. Philippe Coutinho safely put the penalty away (twice) and Ivan Perišić finished the game off with a well-placed finish.

Here are the BFW match awards!

Jersey Swap: Jhon Cordoba

Yes, he was incredibly wasteful in front of goal and yes, he didn’t have a particularly good game. Although I thought Köln was at their best when they were able to create goal-scoring opportunities from counter-attacks, especially in the first half, I believe Cordoba made some clever runs and was Bayern’s main worry throughout the first half.

Tip of the cap: Robert Lewandowski

Nine goals in five games for the Polish superstar who seems to be at the very top of his game. Even in a game when he wasn’t as involved as usual, he still manages to be so prolific in front of goal. Before his second goal, Köln was very much in the game. Bayern ended the first half with some wasted opportunities and Köln also had some chances on the other end of the pitch. Lewandowski’s world-class header changed that. He is irreplaceable. Can he beat Gerd Müller’s long-standing record of 40 goals in one season?

Golf clap: Joshua Kimmich

With two assists to his name, Kimmich was only a goalpost away from curling a fantastic effort from well outside the penalty area. Kimmich somewhat sloppy in the first half and came close to giving Köln a chance on goal, but otherwise it was a very solid effort by a player who wants to be playing more in the middle of the park. The debate whether he fits best at the right-back position will surely continue, but Kimmich had another solid game further up the pitch while Pavard had another good effort as a right-back.

Standing ovation: Ivan Perišić

Just like his countrymen Ivica Olić and Mario Mandžukić, Ivan Perišić is another Croat work-horse who gives everything for the team. Today, Perišić looked creative and had a few dangerous crosses to his fellow teammates. He deservedly got a goal, which was from a very well-hit strike.

Meister of the match: Philippe Coutinho

The best player on the pitch by a mile. If Philippe Coutinho can remain injury-free, there is no telling how good he can become for Bayern. Today he showed why he can become such an important offensive outlet for Bayern with constant forward running dribbling, creative passes, and individual brilliance. One brilliant free-kick that hit the post, two successful penalties, one assist and 90 minutes of reminding the Bavarian fans what samba football means. A joy to behold.