Following the international break, FC Bayern open Matchday 12 in the Bundesliga with a visit to 1. FC Köln on Friday evening (20.30 CET) and can gain an advantage in the title race with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Despite racking up 29 points after 11 games and their best start to a season in eight years, the Reds are currently "only" second in the table - but that's hopefully about to change. fcbayern.com takes a look at the key facts and stats for the game in Cologne.
Just six months since arguably the best win in Cologne
Bayern have won their last nine games in Cologne - the last triumph in May will never be forgotten, when Jamal Musiala scored in almost the very last second to clinch their 11th consecutive title, and one they had thought had evaded their grasp. Never before have the Rhineland side experienced such a long run of defeats against one team in their own stadium. FCB are also unbeaten against FC (16 wins, two draws), regardless of the venue, since a 3-2 loss in Cologne in February 2011.
Bayern strong against lower-placed teams
Only in 2017/18, when they were relegated at the end of the season, did Köln have fewer points (two) after 11 games than they currently have (six). As a result, the Billy Goats are currently sitting second-bottom of the league ahead of their clash with FCB. Bayern have always lived up to their role as favourites in these kinds of meetings and remain unbeaten in 52 Bundesliga matches (44 wins, eight draws) versus teams in a relegation spot. The last defeat against a team at the bottom was a 2-0 loss to then bottom-placed Energie Cottbus on 15 March 2008.
Kane outscoring Köln
Harry Kane scored twice in the 4-2 win over Heidenheim before the international break, marking his 16th and 17th goals of the season - almost twice as many as his opponents from Cologne, who currently have the poorest attack in the league (nine goals). Kane has not only overtaken last season's top scorers (Christopher Nkunku and Niclas Füllkrug with 16 goals each), but has also equalled the best haul by an Englishman in the Bundesliga to date: the 30-year-old is currently level with Kevin Keegan and Jadon Sancho, who also scored 17 times each in 1978/79 and 2019/20 respectively - albeit over the course of a full season.
Best attack against a leaky defence
With 42 goals, FC Bayern have the best attack in Bundesliga history at this point in the season - and it's unlikely this will now change in Cologne of all places. The Rhineland side have not kept a clean sheet in 19 Bundesliga games, longer than any other team in the competition.
Relive last season's incredible last-gasp title win at Köln:
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