Bayern Munich continued their fine form this season with an easy 4-0 win over Köln at the Allianz Arena. The Bavarians dominated the whole game and goals from Arjen Robben, Arturo Vidal, Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Müller sealed victory for their side. 

Bayern dominate first half

Bayern Munich dominated the early proceedings and were immediately on the front foot. The first chance did, though, fall to the away side after Köln made a swift counter-attack down the left flank. Yannick Gerhardt, Köln's best player of the first half, passed into the feet of Simon Zoller but his resulting shot was easily saved by Manuel Neuer

This was a warning for Bayern as from then on they started to step up their game and create chances. The first opportunity of the game for Bayern went to Arjen Robben. Kingsley Coman's tricky wing-play was finished with the Frenchman crossing to Robben who deftly flicked on but Timo Horn excellently tipped wide.

Douglas Costa was next to have a chance for the home side but his volley from the left side deflected off Köln defender, Frederik Sørensen and crashed into the side netting. 

Bayern continued to dominate and Robert Lewandowski had an opportunity to open the scoring again. Lewandowski flicked on a cross from Robben but it was comfortably saved by Horn. Bayern's domination finally paid off as in the 35th minute they opened the scoring. A scramble in the area was finished off by Robben as he rounded Horn and put it into the back of the net.

Just five minutes later, Bayern doubled the lead thanks to Arturo Vidal. The man of the match, Coman, turned provider. This time he made a tricky run down the right and to the by-line, he then cut it back to the Chilean and got a deflection off Dominic Maroh. This left Horn rooted to the pitch and the resulting shot cannoned into the back of the net. 

Home side seal victory in second half 

The Bavarians continued their dominance and put the game to bed in the second half. In the 62nd minute Lewandowski, the league's most prolific striker this season, popped up with a header to make it 3-0. Köln's captain Matthias Lehmann then produced a cynical foul on Coman. From the resulting free-kick Douglas Costa produced an outstanding curling ball which was met by the Polish international and put past the impressive Horn. 

Thomas Müller wrapped up the victory in the 77th minute with a penalty. Lewandowski was upended in the box by Marcel Risse and Dominic Maroh. Müller then stepped up to take the penalty, and he cooly tucked it into the corner to make it 4-0. 

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About the author
Daniel Jefferson
Hull City fan, Journalism at the University of Lincoln.