COLOGNE (Germany), Jan 15 — Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich battled past hosts Cologne 3-1 yesterday to record the best first half of a season in the league’s history and maintain their 11-point lead at the top of the standings.

Bayern came from a goal down to earn their sixth league win in the last seven matches and moved up to 47 points with a goal difference of +53. The previous best mark after 17 matches belonged to Pep Guardiola’s Bayern from the 2013/14 season, also with 47 points but a goal difference of +35. Their 66-goal haul at this stage is also a new league record.