Match awards from Bayern Munich’s strong 5-1 victory against FC Köln

After the loss against Frankfurt last week, Bayern Munich had a strong outing against Koln, who found it incredibly difficult to deal with the team’s press. After being gifted a goal by a glaring defensive error, the Billy Goats seemed to have new life breathed into them, as they started committing bodies forward to try and get the equalizer. Enter Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry at the 61’.

25 minutes later, Bayern were 5-1 up, with 3 more goals scored, courtesy of the abovementioned 2 players. Müller’s first touch of the game set up Lewandowski for Bayern’s third, while Gnabry scored 2 more goals within a span of 18 minutes to put the game out of reach. Müller’s introduction proved to be all the difference today, since Bayern looked like a new beast after the Raumdeuter’s entry.

Here are the match awards for today’s game:

Jersey Swap: Ondrej Duda

Was a constant menace up front, using his pace and passing to mount pressure on Bayern’s defense. Created numerous chances for his teammates, and was ever-present to supply through balls and get involved in one-twos. Also assisted Köln’s only goal, which really shouldn’t have been one, but overall, a good performance from the Slovakia international.

Der Bomber: Robert Lewandowski

Yet another brilliant performance from the Polish hitman. Looked dangerous every time he went forward, was heavily involved in the buildup to every goal and scored two great goals with composure and precision. Lewandowski also tracked back a lot and helped with midfield work. Overall, a tremendous performance from the Pole, who seems poised to break Gerd Müller’s seemingly elusive record.

Fußballgott: Thomas Müller

This game was quite an accurate representation of just why Müller is so valuable to Bayern. Within 14 seconds of coming in as a substitute at the 61st minute, Müller set up Lewandowski for Bayern’s third with an outstanding pass for Bayern’s third, in what was his first touch of the game. He elevated Bayern’s pressing after coming on, and made a huge impact. Bayern started roaring again, and the rest is history.

Der Kaiser: Niklas Süle

Süle, simply put, was super-solid for Bayern in defense, and good going forward. The big man shut down various attacks, made numerous blocks, clearances and interceptions and was always there to relieve Bayern of some nervy moments, when Köln were in possession and looking dangerous in front of goal. Seems like he’s here to stay at RB. Pavard is going to have a tough time breaking into the starting 11.

Meister of the Match: Leon Goretzka

Was everywhere on the pitch today. Goretzka had a fantastic game from the get go, and chipped in with 3 wonderful assists. He covered a lot of ground, bullied Köln’s midfielders and was super-active in the press throughout. Goretzka also tracked back a lot, helped with defensive duties and teamed up well with Kimmich to block Köln’s passing lanes. Superb performance, and it’s great to see him fit and hulking in the midfield once again.