By Dan Gaichas
Bayern Munich ended Oktoberfest by being held by a game FC Köln side, 1-1, at the Allianz Arena. That ends Bayern’s 100% record in the Bundesliga, though they maintain a three-point lead at the top over Hertha Berlin with results elsewhere on the day.
Bayern dominated possession and scoring chances in the first half, but only one would go in as Joshua Kimmich headed in a cross from Juan Bernat in the 40th minute. Bayern looked to add to their lead. Thomas Muller had a chance in the 51st minute after a cross from Bernat, but he shot over the bar. Javi Martinez then heades a shot off the post four minutes later.
Those missed chances came back to haunt Bayern as Anthony Modeste equalized in the 63rd minute on a counter attack for FC Köln. It is the first goal Bayern have conceded in the second half of any match this season. In the latter third of the match, things went end-to-end and Köln nearly took all three points. Yuya Osako thought he had done that, but was chalked off for offside. Muller once again had a golden chance in the 77th minute, but was pushed onto the post and off by Timo Horn. Köln had a shot to win it late in stoppage time, but Simon Zoller scuffed his chance wide with Manuel Neuer beaten.
“We had the game well under control in the first half and took the lead. Köln were better after that,” said Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti. “We could have won it at the end, but Köln had their chances too. We’re disappointed, but we have no reason to be concerned. Let’s not forget we’ve made a really good start to the season. The last two matches weren’t good but I have great faith in my players. Some of them were very weary after Wednesday’s game. Our rotation was good and normal. We’ll push on after the international break.”
So the seven matches in three weeks for Bayern end with five wins, a loss, and a draw. With the international break next weekend, the next match is in two weeks’ time away to Eintract Frankfurt at 8:30am Central time.
