Julian Nagelsmann earned his first Bundesliga victory as Bayern Munich’s manager, as Serge Gnabry’s double helped them resist a Cologne fightback to win 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.
Koln persevered during the first half and frustrated their hosts who went close to Leon Goretzka and Thomas Muller.
Work victory! ? #MiaSanMia #FCBKOE pic.twitter.com/2wJMVmkHtj
FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) 22 August 2021
The Bundesliga champions soon went through the switches and established a two-goal lead early in the second half when Robert Lewandowski brought in the opener from Jamal Musiala’s withdrawal and Serge Gnabry got stuck in the second.
The ball bounced harmlessly off the post, though. Anthony Modeste was having a great game – if anything the pouring rain seemed to be spurring him on!
Gnabry had the last word, however, with an unstoppable drive past Timo Horn to secure all three points for the hosts.
Bayern paid tribute to Gerd Muller before the match, with both President Herbert Hainer and Honorary President Uli Hoeness speaking to the audience about the legendary striker who passed away last week.
During the victory, Bayern surpassed a European record previously set by Real Madrid. Bayern have now scored in each of their last 74 league matches and passed Real’s 73 in total.
This is what Bayern’s players did during the entertaining match.
Sule fought / CHRISTOF STACHE / Getty Images
Manuel Neuer (GK) – 5/10 – Made only a save and could not do much for any of the goals that Bayern conceded.
Tanguy Nianzou (RB) – 6/10 – The 19-year-old was more restrained on the right than Davies on the left. Did not have too many air duels to handle and was interrupted at half time.
Dayot Upamecano (CB) – 5/10 – Started bright, moved into midfield a few times to get Bayern moving. He and Sule lost Modeste for Cologne’s first and Upamecano did not come close enough to Uth for the equalizer. Not good.
Niklas Sule (CB) – 5/10 – A few quick feet from the big man saw Sule test Horn with a hard drive. The defense was quite sluggish when Koln broke with the pace and he was later booked.
Alphonso Davies (LB) – 6/10 – Showed lots of attacking intent, competing up and down the line. Looked like Bayern’s most threatening outing in the first half but his influence waned when the attacking stars stole the spotlight in the second period.
Muller and Kimmich were both positive in midfield / Alexander Hassenstein / Getty Images
Joshua Kimmich (CM) – 7/10 – A really smart sink almost put Gnabry through on the goal, even if the winger could not really finish. Used the ball really well, created chances for his teammates and took an assist for Gnabry’s others – even if it was more about the strike than Kimmich’s pass.
Leon Goretzka (CM) – 5/10 – Poked an early chance wide from 12 yards. Saw to come forward but was not so influential and was removed for Corentin Tolisso.
Thomas Muller (AM) – 7/10 – Had a good opportunity in the early stages but could not get enough power on his strike. Created opportunities for his teammates and played a role in the first goal by putting Musiala down the left flank.
Gnabry turned out to be the match winner / CHRISTOF STACHE / Getty Images
Leroy Sane (RW) – 5/10 – Got a few shots away but his death was quite a spray gun, only 56% of them. Interrupted at half time for Jamal Musiala, whose introduction changed the game.
Robert Lewandowski (ST) – 7/10 – Clinically, Bayern gave the lead by sticking in Musiala’s cross. Also hit the woodwork and was a threat throughout the game.
Serge Gnabry (LW) – 9/10 – Could not really lock Kimmich’s sensitive ball in the box. Lived to life in the second half, made Bayern’s second and gave them the lead with a thumping drive. His braces finally decided the game.
Jamal Musiala – 8/10 – His introduction brought Bavaria to life. Germany’s international set up Lewandowski’s opener and also played a role in his side’s other goals. A brilliant achievement by the kid.
Josip Stanisic – 6/10 – Won one and lost three of his four duels. Recovered the ball well sometimes but was not too influential from the bench.
Corentin Tolisso – 5/10 – Came on and did not get much of the ball.
Eric Maxim Choupo -Moting – N / A
Chris Richards – N / A
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