Cologne celebrates brave 3-0 victory and urgently needed turn in the cup!

Cologne celebrates brave 3-0 victory and urgently needed turn in the cup!

Köln, Deutschland - Cologne returns!

In a gripping DFB Cup duel, the 1. FC Köln over Holstein Kiel triumphed 3-0, sending a strong signal against the crisis mood and moves into the cup round of 16 for the first time since the 2021/22 season. This is a major success for coach Gerhard Struber and sports boss Christian Keller, who are in the field of criticism because of the result crisis in the league. After two miserable defeats and 12th place in the table, this victory was a redeeming turn that Struber temporarily secures the job.

Blitzstart puts Cologne in the lead!

The Cologne offensive strategy lights the same way: after only eight minutes, Maina hits a precise flank into the penalty area that Lemperle dusts us out uselessly against swill - 1-0! An outcry at the Kiel coach Rapp, who demands an offensive foul. But referee Bastian Dankert remains merciless. Cologne convinces with a new way of playing from the start: Struber is releasing a chain of three for the first time this season to stabilize the susceptible Defensive. A clever decision that turns out to be the spotlight. Kiel, also in a playful way, brings little danger and remains harmless.

goalkeeper change as the key to success!

But the big icing on the cake is the goalkeeper change! The reserved Jonas Urbig has to go to the bench, but the criticized cocks returns between the posts. Swabia gives everything and is celebrated in the end - a rare bright spot in Cologne's tough everyday football life. Only one slatted shot briefly causes excitement - but the Cologne team have the last word! Waldschmidt, which is substituted late, drives the final hammer from 16 meters to 2-0. Seconds before the final whistle, he even makes 3-0 (90.+7) and crowns this furious evening for Cologne!

victory enlivens the hopes and brings fresh courage. A clearer Dominique Heintz remains focused and says: "We know that we still have a lot of work ahead of us." The next important duel is coming up - another victory is mandatory on Saturday against Hertha. Kiel, on the other hand, is urgently in hibernation in all competitions after the third bankruptcy and has to give everything against Heidenheim to get back to the road.