Heynckes: It wasn't easy to switch back to the Bundesliga

FC Bayern downed bottom club 1. FC Köln 3-1 in their last away match this season. However, it was hard work for the Bavarians four days after the bitter Champions League exit against Real Madrid. Bayern had to "fight our way back into it," declared Mats Hummels after the match. Jupp Heynckes was pleased after the victory: "It was important to extend our streak. We still have an important goal, the cup final."

Reaction to Köln v Bayern

Jupp Heynckes: "It wasn't easy to switch back to the Bundesliga after the intense game on Tuesday. Köln did a good job and made life difficult for us. We turned in a completely different display in the second half. We dominated proceedings, created chances and converted them. It was important to win the match and extend our streak. We still have an important goal, the cup final."

Mats Hummels: "I had the impression we had to shake off Tuesday's match a little. The will was there but it wasn't so easy. We had to fight our way back into it, we made it too complicated at times, allowing strong counters. We did a much better job in the second half and deservedly turned the match around."

Joshua Kimmich: "We didn't live up to our expectations in the first half of course. You can see we're no machines. We noticed in terms of fitness we had a tough match on Tuesday. And it was extremely bitter mentally if you look at how we went out in Madrid. You don't get over it within two or three days. We did a better job in the second half."

Stefan Ruthenbeck (1. FC Köln coach): "We saw my team turn in a good display at the beginning. We were strong in defence and on the break, pressed early but also enjoyed possession in some crucial periods. It sounds funny but we should have had a bigger lead at half-time. Bayern were overwhelming in the second half. They applied incredible pressure and crossed a lot. They are ruthless in front of goal, we were unable to withstand their pressure."

Timo Horn (1. FC Köln): "We got off to a superb start. Even more would have been possible against this big club. If their passing game is so perfect you don't get the space you need. But I think the fans saw we never give up."

Simon Terodde (1. FC Köln): "The fans acknowledged that we gave it everything in the last match. We were closer to the second goal than Bayern were to the equaliser in the first half. We put up a fight in the second half but at the end of the day it was a deserved 3-1 victory for them."