Destiny was not in the hands of the reigning champions. But Bayern Munich could only aspire to cling to their Bundesliga crown if they first gained three points to take care of their business. On a day when both the title chasers exhibited the frailties that have led to this race, a moment of magic […]

Two of the Bundesliga’s underrated overachievers from last season were once again quietly having a good time in 2022/23, as Mainz and Köln were on 15 and 16 points respectively before they faced off on Friday night. A cracking contest looked to be in store for us, but a red card completely changed the dynamic […]

FC Köln and Bayern Munich have, in their separate ways, set the bar high this season to promise a spectacle in this fixture. Indeed, if their efforts were anything to go by on the pitch, Bundesliga football is a simple pleasure. Organized but possibly wild high pressing styles clash, transitions rule, and the Bavarians always […]

RB Leipzig’s front four all got on the scoresheet as they won out against a Köln side focussed on directness in attack. In Leipzig’s own possession, they generally made good use of the wide spaces, with their fullbacks contributing ably to the attack, especially in the first half. An early Jhon Córdoba goal and a […]

1. FC Köln were able to take an early lead and later in the game also managed to double the score in a way that did not reflect the game’s happenings. Eventually, though, Mainz 05’s efforts to equalize the score paid off, and just when most spectators expected a dazzling ending to the game, tired legs […]

Both teams challenged each other head-on in an often uninspiring affair, until individual mistakes kicked in to spark up the atmosphere of a game played behind closed doors.

RasenBallsport Leipzig continued their fantastic form, producing a classic display against 1. FC Köln to take them just a point from leading the league. They broke down Köln’s 4-1-4-1 low block in impressive fashion, displaying a variety of passing sequences and transitions to give them access to the final third time and time again.  Tactical […]

Dortmund were uninspiring for most of the first hour of the game as their usual setup seemed unsuited to break through 1. FC Köln’s pressing. At sixty minutes though, Favre brought on Julian Brandt and Achraf Hakimi, and switched the formation,  which helped Dortmund’s possession game. They eventually came back to win, with the substitutes […]