Image source: theguardian.com
Köln delivered an encouraging performance despite falling to a 3-1 defeat against Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich at the RheinEnergieSTADION, with new signing Jahmai Simpson-Pusey impressing on his home debut in a direct battle against Harry Kane as the hosts briefly led through Linton Maina’s early strike.
Köln Show Fighting Spirit in 3-1 Home Defeat to Runaway Leaders Bayern Munich
Köln took a surprise lead through Linton Maina’s well-struck left-footed effort following a charging counterattack that caught Manuel Neuer off guard despite the Bayern goalkeeper getting a hand to the shot. The goal came against the run of play after Saïd El Mala had forced Neuer into an early save with his legs in the opening minute of the match at the sold-out RheinEnergieSTADION.
Bayern responded with moments of individual brilliance to turn the game around, with Serge Gnabry producing an inspired equaliser by deliberately hitting his shot into the ground from near the byline to loop over Manuel Schwäbe. The visitors took control in the second half but rarely had Köln under total siege, with the hosts defending resolutely until Kim Min-jae headed home from close range after Hiroki Ito nodded back a Luis Díaz cross following a set-piece.
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey delivered an impressive home debut performance after being thrown straight into the starting lineup following his loan arrival from Manchester City just over a week ago. The 20-year-old defender, who was last year’s Premier League 2 player of the season, showed composure on the ball despite Köln having just over 27 percent possession and relished the challenge of facing Harry Kane directly in his second appearance for the club.
Bayern sealed the victory late on when substitute Lennart Karl converted a Díaz pass after the Colombian was set away by an extraordinary curving crossfield pass from Kane, delivered while the striker was falling backwards in the centre circle. The result extended Bayern’s remarkable record to just four points dropped from 17 games at the halfway stage, matching the best Hinrunde record in Bundesliga history previously achieved by Pep Guardiola’s vintage.
The performance drew generous full-time applause from the home supporters despite Köln’s winless run extending to seven games, offering some respite for head coach Lukas Kwasniok who had recently been targeted by fans with negative banners. Vincent Kompany acknowledged the challenge his side faced, warning that “everything starts from scratch tomorrow” despite Bayern’s extraordinary record this season.
