A fourth goal of the season for Mario Gotze has handed Bayern Munich a 1-0 lead over FC Koln at the midway point of their Bundesliga clash.
Bayern started the game impressively, but missed an early chance to take the lead when Thomas Muller dragged his shot wide of the post while in space inside the box.
However, the visitors would break the deadlock with their next chance in the 19th minute as Muller volleyed across the box to find Gotze, who drilled home the opener from close range.
Despite turning provider for the goal, Muller was once again wasteful in front of goal after beating the offside trap as he fired a low strike straight at Timo Horn.
Horn was called into action once again a few moments later to keep out Arjen Robben, who had threatened to find the bottom corner after cutting onto his left foot.
It was Manuel Neuer's turn to come to the rescue before the break as he made an impressive stop to deny Adam Matuszczyk, before reacting quickly to block the rebound from Anthony Ujah.
Callum Mulvihill
