Cologne defeats Schalke and meets bad luck!

Cologne defeats Schalke and meets bad luck!

RheinEnergie-Stadion, Köln, Deutschland - On February 9, 2025, the 1. FC Köln achieved an important home win against Schalke 04 and thus got first place in the table of the 2nd German Bundesliga. In an exciting game in the Rheinenergie Stadium, the "billy goats" secured a decisive advantage with a 1-0 win. The goal of the day fell shortly before the half -time break, which in the 43rd minute transported the leather into the right corner after a fine pass from Maina. Cologne thus defeated an opponent who plays at least average, which only ranks 13th behind them, such as Sport1 reported.

injury bad luck clouds the victory

Despite the victory, the success for Cologne was overshadowed by injuries. Both the ÖFB legionnaire Dejan Ljubicic and Downs had to leave the field due to injury. Ljubicic was replaced by Florian Kainz in the 57th minute, while Downs was replaced by Rondic in the 81st minute. The game was also unhappy for Schalke because after a 2: 5 defeat against Magdeburg, they are in a severe crisis situation last week. The winner was primarily a squad that has weaknesses on the defensive and conceded 39 goals in the season, which is only exceeded by two other teams, such as Laola1 note.

Cologne presented itself strongly and in the last ten league games only remained off the pitch as a loser, which clearly underpins her demands on the ascent. With this performance and also through the pragmatic style of play by trainer Gerhard Struber, a defense of the top of the table is also sought for the upcoming games. It is particularly gratifying that Cologne remains unbeaten at home, with three wins and a draw in the last four games.