Cologne. After being 2-0 down, 1. FC Cologne won 3-2 against Union Berlin. The Rhinelanders are suddenly hoping to stay in the league again.
Thanks to an energy output, the 1. FC Cologne continue to hope for relegation in the Bundesliga. Coach Timo Schultz’s team won against Union Berlin 3:2 (1:2) and moved within three points of their relegation rivals. The FC impressed with great morale and made up for a two-goal deficit, but for a happy ending, Cologne urgently needs a win at 1. FC Heidenheim next weekend and is dependent on help from shooters.
Robin Knoche (15th) and Kevin Volland (19th, hand penalty according to video evidence) shocked FC with two quick goals, but captain Florian Kainz (45th, foul penalty), Steffen Tigges (87.) and Damion Downs (90th + 3rd) turned the game around and gave FC new hope. Berlin, which has now been waiting for a win for seven games, is once again in the middle of a relegation battle.
1. FC Cologne with a transfer ban
The fall into the second division would have far-reaching consequences for FC. There he would have to make a fresh start under the most difficult conditions. Because of the World Association Fifa Due to the transfer ban, FC cannot sign new players, which they urgently need, and there is also a risk of departures. Injured striker Davie Selke’s contract, which runs until 2026, is only valid in the Bundesliga; the few top performers such as defense chief Jeff Chabot and goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe have long been on the list at other clubs. It is also completely unclear whether Schultz, who succeeded Steffen Baumgart, who was fired shortly before Christmas, will be allowed to continue.
Cologne’s Faride Alidou (r.) in a duel with Berlin’s Danilho Doekhi. © dpa | Federico Gambarini
Shortly before kick-off, Schultz expressed his “100 percent trust” in the Sky players, and as often this season, the Cologne team started boldly and boldly. But after a promising first few minutes, two low blows followed. Schwäbe didn’t look good when Knoche hit, and shortly afterwards Kölns touched Faride Alidou the ball in the penalty area with his arm. Volland didn’t miss the opportunity from the penalty spot.
The initially loud Cologne fans mostly fell silent, only the supporters on the south curve tried to shake up their team – but it didn’t help. FC seemed inhibited and paralyzed, they couldn’t find their rhythm until Rani Khedira knocked down Timo Hübers in the penalty area and Kainz converted the penalty.
Cologne coach Schultz increases the risk
Suddenly, despite the poor performance so far, hope arose and Schultz increased the risk. The coach switched to a three-man chain and, among other things, changed the former Dortmund player Steffen Tigges a. That would have had an almost immediate effect: Alidou shot over the goal after a cross headed by Tigges (50th).
However, FC was unable to build up sustained pressure and create further chances. Union cleverly disrupted the flow of the game, Robin Gosens (67.) missed Berlin’s third goal with a header that hit the crossbar. But Cologne fought back and turned the game around in a dramatic final phase. (sid)
The live tickers for reading:
1. FC Cologne – Union Berlin 3:2
Borussia Mönchengladbach – Eintracht Frankfurt 1:1
RB Leipzig – Werder Bremen 1:1
SC Freiburg – 1. FC Heidenheim 1:1