FC Bayern extended their lead in the Bundesliga to eight points overnight with a workmanlike 1-0 victory away to Köln. Three days after the energy-sapping Champions League encounter with Juventus, the German record champions prevailed in the Rhineland before the upcoming international break. “We didn't play perfectly today, but after a 120-minute match in the Champions League it was good that we took three points,” summarised match-winner Robert Lewandowski.
Reaction to Köln v Bayern
Pep Guardiola: “A huge compliment to my players. Two and a half days after 120 minutes and an emotional match against Juventus it was very difficult. We did well in the first 30 minutes. Köln were very dangerous in the last 25 minutes. We controlled the match well, but noticed how hard it is to defend the title this year.”
Robert Lewandowski: “We didn't play perfectly today, but after a 120-minute match in the Champions League it was good that we took three points. If you're only one up it's dangerous until the end. Köln played at home and tried to score until the final minute. The main thing is to have three more points.”
Manuel Neuer: “We had to work a little harder to wrap up this 1-0 victory today. The three points are very important for us. We defended well as a team and allowed few chances. The international break will do us all good.”
Peter Stöger (FC Köln coach): “We turned in a decent display. Perhaps more would have been possible today. I'm very satisfied with the second half.”
Marcel Risse (Köln): “We had the better chances in the second half, we stood much higher up the field and pressed more, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to score.”
Timo Horn (Köln keeper): “We were a bit too cautious in the first half, it was better in the second. Unfortunately we didn't manage to score.”
Topics of this article