1. FC Cologne

1. FC Köln take relegation race to last day with Union Berlin win

By
Moritz Baer
May 12, 2024
13:09
Mark Uth. Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock
Mark Uth. Photo: Vitalii Vitleo / Shutterstock

1. FC Köln beat Union Berlin 3-2 on the penultimate Bundesliga gameweek and in doing so they took the relegation race until the last weekend of the Bundesliga.

In the first half, Union Berlin were quick to take the reign over the game (despite not controlling possession) and they scored first within fifteen minutes through defender Robin Knoche's header from a corner.

Just under five minutes later, the out-of-form Faride Alidou conceded a clumsy penalty as the ball hit his hand. Kevin Volland then dispatched the penalty in the centre of the goal under Marvin Schwäbe's legs.

Providing a lifeline, just before the halftime, Florian Kainz was gifted a penalty as Rani Khedira brought down Timo Hübers in the box. Once again, Florian Kainz made no mistake from the spot and scored.

However, in the second 45 minutes, Köln had to push on more and fight for the win as only this would see them avoid relegation. As a hail mary, Timo Schultz brought on Damion Downs, Mark Uth and Steffen Tigges in the second half.

During the 87th minute, one of these substitutes paid off as Tigges headed home the equalizer with three minutes (plus added time) to go. In added time, it was all Köln as they pushed for the winner to see this season out on the final matchday.

And in Damion Downs (a nineteen-year-old youth prospect) they found the winner to set the RheinEnergieStadion's crowd on fire.

1. FC Köln had clarity: this season goes down to the last day.

Match Result

1. FC Cologne
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1. FC Cologne
1. FC Cologne
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