Bayern Munich ensured that they will see out 2011 on top of the Bundesliga table with a 3-0 victory over Cologne on Friday.
Heynckes' side pick up comfortable win despite Ribery's red card
Bayern Munich ensured that they will see out 2011 on top of the Bundesliga table with a 3-0 victory over Cologne on Friday.
Despite playing for an hour with 10 men following Franck Ribery's red card, Bayern eased to a comfortable success that will keep them at the summit through the winter break.
Ribery was dismissed in the 33rd minute, but the Bavarians still managed to take all three points with second-half goals from Mario Gomez, David Alaba and Toni Kroos.
The victory took Jupp Heynckes' side six points clear at the top and assured them first place until at least the end of January, when the league resumes.
For Cologne, it was their first defeat at the Allianz Arena, although they will still end 2011 in mid-table.
Bayern started as they meant to go on with flowing, attacking football which kept Cologne pegged back in their own half.
This is a situation Cologne have become used to on their previous four visits to this stadium, though, and their defensive tactics from the past seemed to be the secret to success again.
Frustrated
Indeed, they frustrated Bayern to the point that Ribery could no longer control his temper.
After going to ground under the challenge of Henrique Sereno inside the penalty area, the Frenchman took exception to the Cologne defender's gesture for him to get back up onto his feet.
He leapt up and went head to head with the Portuguese defender, with both players booked.
That was not the end of it, though, as Ribery approached Sereno again and grabbed him by the throat before once again making contact with his head, earning a second yellow card that he could have no complaints about.
Bayern's frustration turned to joy just three minutes into the second half, though, when Gomez scored one of his easiest goals this season.
Thomas Muller did the hard work, unselfishly squaring the ball to Gomez, who was given an easy tap-in.
Alaba made it two in the 63rd minute, scoring his first goal at home this season when a corner defied everybody to find him totally alone at the far post.
The Austria international then turned provider for Kroos to wrap up the win in the 88th minute, turning to lift the ball past Michael Rensing from 10 yards out.
