Bayern made to fight for a draw with spirited Köln

Ellyes Skhiri’s first-half goal was eventually cancelled out by a wonderful strike by Joshua Kimmich at the death as the sides shared the spoils. Bayern registered 25 shots on goal as they pushed hard for the win but were ultimately denied by an in-form Marvin Schwabe

Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann was critical of his team’s rather blunt attack in their weekend stalemate with RB Leipzig. However, Nagelsmann himself probably couldn’t have anticipated being behind inside the opening 4 minutes against Koln tonight. A shock lead for the team from the Cathedral city developed when Kainz’s corner found the head of Chabot. The centre-half diverted the ball to the back post where Tunisian international, Ellyes Skhiri, turned home unmarked. Bayern eventually got their first shot on goal through Gnabry who tested Schwabe on 12 minutes.
Although Bayern confidence started to grow, Koln still threatened on the counter. A flowing move before the half hour make released Kainz who looked for Skhiri. Fortunately for Bayern, Yann Sommer was alive to the danger and was able to cut the ball out. Bayern looked to get back on level terms just before the interval. A Kimmich corner found Pavard at the back post. While scenes of his famous goal for France vs Argentina in 2018 raced through his mind, he was expertly denied by Schwabe. It was a truly incredible save by the 27-year-old who managed to pull it off through a sea of crowded bodies.

An uncharacteristic two-man substitution preceded the half time break for Bayern – Gnabry and Goretzka called ashore for Coman and Gravenberch. The latter came agonisingly close to finding the back of Schwabe’s net from 20-yards when his shot curled past the post. A signal of intent from the league leaders. Similarly, Steffen Baumgart made two alterations of his own as Ljubicic and Martel entered the fray, while Kingsley Schindler did the same ten minutes later. As the clock ticked towards 70 minutes, Musiala was withdrawn for the experienced Thomas Mueller. At this stage Bayern were still looking surprisingly toothless in attack – most of their efforts on goal blocked by a spirited Koeln rear-guard.

Mueller drew another fine save out of Schwabe on 80 minutes – the former German international’s looped header was pushed over the bar by the Koeln shot stopper. Bayern huffed and puffed as it looked like Koeln would come away with a memorable win until Bayern skipper Joshua Kimmich had other plans. A 90th minute thunderbolt from all of 30 metres dipped and swirled in off Schwabe’s crossbar who kept Bayern at bay so admirably all night. An incredible game ended 1-1 apiece with what was probably a fair result despite Bayern’s domination since falling behind.

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