Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich recovered from the shock of falling behind to a Niklas Sule own goal to ease past relegated Cologne 3-1 courtesy of second half goals from James Rodriguez, Robert Lewandowski and Corentin Tolisso.
Positives
Bayern suffered a 45-minute Champions League hangover but showed no long-lasting domestic effects following that disappointing semifinal exit in Madrid in midweek.
Negatives
You cannot ignore that a cloud of depression hangs over Bayern following another unfortunate Champions League exit.
Manager rating out of 10
8 — Following an insipid first half display, Jupp Heynckes read the riot act at half time, enabling Bayern to comfortably cruise to victory in his final ever Bundesliga away match.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Sven Ulreich, 7 — Could do nothing about the own goal and made key saves in each half to keep Cologne at bay. Ulreich has played a brilliant season, but unfortunately it will be largely remembered for his howler against Real.
DF Rafinha, 7 — With his contract up for renewal, the Brazil defender helped set up Bayern’s second.
DF Niklas Sule, 7 — Turned in his third own goal of the campaign, equalling a 30-year record for most own goals in a season from Hamburg legend Manfred Kaltz. Brilliant in the second half, though, easily rectifying his unfortunate own goal.
DF Mats Hummels, 7 — Slow into his stride but largely untroubled in the second half, strolling through the game.
DF Joshua Kimmich, 7 — Twice put Bayern into the lead against Real, and again roared forward at every available opportunity, especially in the second half, befitting his status as one of the best attacking right-backs in the world.
MF Javi Martinez, 6 — Suffered a clash of heads early in the second half but surprisingly still stayed on the pitch after recently bruising his skull in the first leg against Real.
MF Sebastian Rudy, 5 — Flew under the radar once again.
MF James Rodriguez, 8 — Bayern’s signing of the season set the champions on their way with the equaliser on the hour mark, firing his seventh league goal of the season to go with 10 assists in 23 games in an impressive debut season in Germany.
FW Franck Evina, 5 — The 17-year-old filled in for Franck Ribery for a second straight Bundesliga start, but was hooked off after a quiet first half with Bayern trailing.
FW Thomas Muller, 8 — The captain twice laid on goals to turn the game around, taking his tally to a personal best 16 assists for the season, the first a cushioned header into the path of James, and then powerfully holding off the mass ranks of the Cologne defence to improve Lewandowski’s mood.
FW Robert Lewandowski, 6 — After missing two free headers in the first half, he resumed normal service on the hour, putting his side into the lead with a composed finish for his 29th league goal in 29 games this season. Far from at his best, though, and looked more than most to be suffering with an inevitable Champions League hangover. Replaced by Sandro Wagner on 77 minutes, he soon earned himself a stern lecture and finger wag from Heynckes for his less than enthusiastic response.
Substitutes:
MF Thiago, 8 — Replaced Evina at the break, immediately offering more finesse and stability in midfield as the champions turned the game around.
MF Corentin Tolisso, N/R — Bayern’s record signing replaced Muller on 74 minutes and settled the game as a contest by consummately nodding in the third goal from close range only four minutes later.
FW Sandro Wagner, N/R — Replaced Lewandowski but couldn’t add to his eight league goals since joining in January from Hoffenheim in his cameo.
Mark Lovell covers Bayern Munich for ESPN FC. Follow him on Twitter: @LovellLowdown.
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