BERLIN (Reuters) - Bayern Munich clinched its first Bundesliga win of the new season after beating resilient Cologne at home in a five-goal thriller at the close of the second round.
The German record champions established a two-goal lead early in the second half, but Cologne bounced back with two quick goals within two minutes. Bayern had the last laugh as Serge Gnabry’s second goal broke Cologne resistance.
Bayern took control from the starting whistle but couldn’t do damage to Cologne’s bulwark. Hence, Julian Nagelsmann’s men could only produce half chances through Leon Goretzka and Thomas Muller.
The hosts came to their best chance with 24 minutes played when Niklas Sule danced through Cologne’s box before testing goalkeeper Timo Horn from close range.
Cologne defended well, kept the Bavarians at arm’s length and took a goalless stalemate into halftime.
After the restart, Bayern assumed control and turned the dominance into a tangible reward as substitute Jamal Musiala assisted Robert Lewandowski, who made no mistake to break the deadlock from very close range in the 50th minute.
Bayern pushed forward and made two, nine minutes later after Gnabry tapped home Muller’s dangerous cross to the far post.