Key Takeaways:
- Bayern Munich defeated Köln 3:1 away from home after coming from behind in the 17th round of the Bundesliga
- Bayern equalled their previous points record for the first half of the season (47 points), surpassing Pep Guardiola’s 2013/14 squad with a superior +53 goal difference
- Vincent Kompany’s side extended their unbeaten run against Köln to 22 matches, with 20 wins and 2 draws since Köln’s last victory in 2011
Historic Bundesliga Milestone for Bayern
Bayern Munich closed out the opening half of the Bundesliga campaign in remarkable fashion by overcoming a first-half deficit to beat Köln 3:1 away and securing the best first half-season record in club and league history. This 17th-round victory not only cemented their 11-point advantage over Borussia Dortmund, but also saw Vincent Kompany’s team match the previous record of 47 points after 17 matches, originally set by Pep Guardiola’s Bayern in the 2013/14 season. However, Kompany’s squad outperformed that benchmark with an impressive +53 goal difference compared to the previous +35.
YES! Auswärtssieg. Wir bleiben UNGESCHLAGEN in der Bundesliga. 😎 pic.twitter.com/4rhWqMrOCW
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) January 14, 2026
| Season | Coach | Points (After 17 Rounds) | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013/14 | Pep Guardiola | 47 | +35 |
| 2025/26 | Vincent Kompany | 47 | +53 |
Match Analysis: Relentless Comeback in Cologne
This encounter echoed the sides’ previous meeting in the German Cup, with Bayern required to fight back once again. Linton Maina put Koln ahead in the 41st minute, finishing a swift counterattack with a powerful strike that left Manuel Neuer stranded. The Bundesliga leaders restored parity deep into first-half stoppage time (45+4’) through Serge Gnabry, who found the net after sharp interplay with Michael Olise.
After the break, Köln posed early threats but it was Bayern who gradually gained control. Their breakthrough came in the 71st minute when Luis Díaz delivered a precise cross from a short corner, which Hiroki Ito managed to keep in play for Kim Min-jae, who headed home for a 2:1 lead. Substitute Lennart Karl, aged 17, capped off a convincing performance in the 84th minute, calmly slotting home after a strong run and pass from Luis Díaz.
Dominance over Köln Continues
Bayern’s dominant run against Köln was extended to 22 matches without defeat, having secured 20 victories and 2 draws in that span; the “Billy Goats” last triumphed in this fixture in 2011. In their preceding encounter before this match, Bayern also won away 4:1 in the German Cup following a challenging first half.
Team News and Tactical Adjustments
Köln manager Lukas Kwasniok was forced to adapt due to the absences of Luca Kilian and Timo Hübers (injured) as well as suspended Eric Martel. Ragnar Ache led the line, supported by Jakub Kaminski and Said El Mala.
Vincent Kompany likewise navigated multiple selection issues with Joshua Kimmich, Josip Stanišić (injured), Alphonso Davies and Sacha Boey (ill), and Jamal Musiala (still recovering) all unavailable, while Nicolas Jackson remained on international duty with Senegal.
The Belgian coach made four changes from the previous 8:1 win at Wolfsburg, reinstating Serge Gnabry in place of Lennart Karl, as well as shuffling the midfield and back line. Leon Goretzka returned to partner Alexander Pavlovic, while Kim Min-jae and Hiroki Ito started in defence. Up front, Gnabry, Michael Olise, and Luis Díaz operated behind Harry Kane.
