Bayern salvage a point against Köln

FC Bayern were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Köln on Tuesday night. Ellyes Skhiri handed the Billy Goats an early goal. Bayern had the better chances but had to wait until shortly before the final whistle for Joshua Kimmich to salvage a point in the first home match of the year.

The German record champions lined up with Yann Sommer in goal and Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Matthijs de Ligt and Alphonso Davies in a back four. Leon Goretzka and Kimmich anchored a midfield featuring Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala and Serge Gnabry, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting up front. Ryan Gravenberch and Kingsley Coman took over from Goretzka and Gnabry at half-time, Thomas Müller and Mathys Tel coming on for Musiala and Davies in the second half.

Trailing at half-time

The 75,000 full house at the Allianz Arena saw the away side get off to the better start, the Cologne club taking an early lead when Shkiri turned home following a Florian Kainz corner. Bayern slowly but surely asserted their authority, with Köln looking to strike on the break. Sané fired an effort wide and Gnabry saw one saved before a Sané pass evaded him.

Goretzka saw a shot blocked but Köln's attacking pace could never be disregarded and Sommer only just beat Shkiri to a damgerous cross into the box. Köln forced a string of corners and a cross evaded Steffen Tigges as the pendulum swung the other way for a spell. Pavard saw his drive parried from a corner and Goretzka headed the rebound over as Bayern went into the break a goal down.

Late leveller

Munich hit the ground running after the interval, and De Ligt forced a fine save from keeper Marvin Schwäbe, with Gravenberch firing just wide as well. Schwäbe denied Coman before Julian Nagelsmann's men saw a number of efforts blocked, but they failed to make their dominance count against the Billy Goats' disciplined defending punctuated by dangerous counter-attacks.

Coman's pinpoint cross found Müller, who saw a powerful header saved. Choupo-Moting hit the post but the linesman's flag was up in any case. Kimmich then took matters into his own hands when he unleashed a thumping effort from 30 yards that flew in off the crossbar to salvage a late point. Sané then rifled with the final attempt of the game as Bayern and Köln shared the spoils.

The result takes Bayern onto 36 points from 17 matches. The Bavarians will be back in action on Saturday when they entertain Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen