Bayern Munich made a quick start to open up a 2-1 lead at half time in their Bundesliga clash with FC Koln at the Allianz Arena this evening.
The hosts were ahead just three minutes into the tie as Bastian Schweinsteiger rose highest to head the ball in from a corner, leaving Timo Horn no chance in the visiting goal.
Franck Ribery doubled the advantage inside the opening 10 minutes as the Frenchman pounced to score with a low strike on the rebound after Horn had denied Robert Lewandowski moments earlier.
Pep Guardiola's side continued to look the more likely throughout the first half, and came close to making it three when Arjen Robben found Lewandowski, but his finish was blocked, while a further effort from the Poland international forced another save from Horn.
The visitors had to remain alert as Bayern piled forward again in the final moments of the half, but Ribery saw his cross in for Mario Gotze deflected behind to prevent a third goal.
However, Koln brought themselves back into the match in the final seconds before the break when Anthony Ujah was left unmarked at the back post, leaving him to head the ball past Manuel Neuer.
Sian Cowper
