Koln 1-2 Bayern Munich: Initial reactions and observations – Bavarian Football Works

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Bayern scrape past a decent Koln side with the bare minimum of effort.
Full time: Bayern win 2-1.
90’ — Four minutes of added time! Game is poised at 2-1.
81’ — VAR review gives Koln a goal that was initially ruled offside. Oh dear.
77’ — We’re close to the end of the game, and neither team is doing much. Meanwhile, Alaba comes on for Martinez.
63’ — Substitution: Zirkzee and Costa come in for Choupo-Moting and Sane.
45’ — The second half kicks off! Bayern lead 2-0, now it’s all about seeing this game through.
45’ + 1 — GOAL! Serge Gnabry dribbles inside and scores! Robben-esque. And it’s half time.
12’ — GOAL! Bayern break the deadlock courtesy of a penalty by Thomas Muller.
Kickoff — We’re underway! Can Bayern win without Lewandowski? Let’s find out.
One hour until kickoff: We have lineups! As expected, Bayern have gone for heavy rotation, with Robert Lewandowski replaced by Choupo-Moting.
Unsere Aufstellung @fckoeln #KOEFCB #Bundesliga pic.twitter.com/gyBV71T9PU
MATCHDAY! Facing a team from the relegation spots should never be a tough task for a team like Bayern Munich, but we live in extraordinary times. The Bavarians are reeling from insane fixture congestion, leading to fatigue and injuries gripping the squad. A game against Koln away, usually not a big deal, suddenly becomes a much tougher task in this situation.
The big news is that Joshua Kimmich is doubtful for the game. If he doesn’t play, then Hansi Flick becomes severely limited in his midfield options. Players like Marc Roca or Javi Martinez could get a shot at starting alongside Leon Goretzka, who’s been excellent so far this season. Meanwhile, Leroy Sane is set to make his first start since returning from injury, hopefully alongside Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller, and Serge Gnabry up top. [Note, we wrote this before Lewy was confirmed to be out of the game.]
It’s Bayern time.
Related
Location: RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany
Time: 3:30 pm local time, 9:30 am EST
TV/streaming: ESPN+, Find Your Country
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Check out our beginners thread if you have any more questions. That’s about it. Auf geht’s!
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