Bayern Munich Crush Cologne 3-1 to Reclaim Massive 11-Point Lead in Bundesliga

Bayern Munich came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Cologne on Wednesday, restoring their commanding 11-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga table. The win capped a strong first half of the season for the Bavarian giants, who reached the midway mark with a points and goals tally matching the best in league history.

Cologne took a surprise lead late in the first half when Linton Maina capitalized on a turnover near Bayern’s penalty area and fired a powerful shot past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The breakthrough came after a disrupted opening period that included a 10-minute stoppage caused by smoke from flares in the stands, which appeared to affect Bayern’s early rhythm.

Bayern responded before the interval, with Serge Gnabry making amends for his earlier mistake. The winger cut through a crowded penalty area in stoppage time and chipped the ball over Cologne goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe from a tight angle to bring the visitors level heading into the break.

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The league leaders tightened their grip on the match in the second half, turning to their defenders for inspiration. Hiroki Ito managed to keep the ball in play near the byline before delivering a cross that Kim Min-jae headed home to give Bayern the lead. With Cologne struggling to respond, Bayern controlled possession and dictated the tempo.

Teenage forward Lennart Karl sealed the result seven minutes from time, adding a third goal to underline Bayern’s dominance. The victory extended Cologne’s long wait for a win over Bayern, with their last success against the Bavarians dating back to 2011.

With 47 points at the halfway stage and a goal tally of 65, Bayern sits 11 points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund. Head coach Vincent Kompany downplayed the significance of the records, stressing that consistency rather than milestones remains the club’s primary focus as the Bundesliga title race resumes in the second half of the season.

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