Cologne is slowly recovering after a weak start to the season in the 2nd league. In the duel between the long-standing first division clubs, FC won – and thus climbed up the table.
After the strong 3-0 win in the DFB Cup against Bundesliga club Holstein Kiel, 1. FC Köln has also found its way back to success in the 2nd Bundesliga. In the top game in front of 68,765 spectators at Hertha BSC, the Rhinelanders narrowly but deservedly won 1-0 (1-0).
Tim Lemperle scored the goal of the day in the 31st minute. Thanks to the victory in the Berlin Olympic Stadium, the Cologne team climbed to tenth place in the table. The Hertha team, who were also victorious in the cup against a first division team during the week (2-1 against Heidenheim), missed out on a promotion place and remained sixth.
“This is something extremely special,” said goal scorer Lemperle happily at the Sky microphone after the game and particularly praised the support of the around 15,000 Cologne fans who traveled with him: “They completely supported us today,” said the 22-year-old.
Both teams relied on the starting lineups that had brought them victory in the cup. Cologne started again with a three-man chain and Marvin Schwäbe in goal, who had played his first competitive game of the season against Kiel.
While the backdrop for the duel between the two former German champions was top-flight-ready, the two teams on the field didn’t have a real chance to score in the first half hour. Cologne’s Dominique Heintz then found the gap in Hertha’s defense with a ball from her own half. His teammate Lemperle ran alone towards Berlin goalkeeper Tjark Ernst and scored his fifth league goal to give the “Billy Billy Goats” a deserved lead.
A few minutes after the restart, Hertha had its best chance to date. After a corner, Derry Scherhant shot at a teammate (46′). Shortly afterwards, captain Toni Leistner had to be replaced with an injury (52′).
The Capitals got better and had a few opportunities. On the other hand, Dejan Ljubičić missed a great chance to make it 2-0 (60th). Berlin kept trying, but had no luck and lost for the first time in over a month.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert:
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with football expert Dr. Anna Müller, who specializes in German football dynamics. Anna, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! It’s great to discuss the latest in German football.
Editor: Let’s dive right into the recent match between FC Köln and Hertha BSC. Köln had a difficult start to the season, but they managed to secure a significant win. What does this victory mean for Köln, both in terms of morale and their position in the league?
Dr. Müller: This win is crucial for FC Köln. After a shaky start, it’s a significant boost to their morale. Climbing to tenth place in the 2nd Bundesliga after such a performance not only offers a sense of relief but also reinforces their potential for the rest of the season. The players now have renewed confidence, and that can be contagious both on and off the pitch.
Editor: Absolutely! Additionally, the match was played in front of a remarkable crowd of nearly 69,000 spectators at the Berlin Olympic Stadium. How important is fan support in a game like this, especially for Köln?
Dr. Müller: Fan support can’t be understated. Playing in such a historic venue and in front of a passionate crowd can catalyze a team’s performance. For Köln, this win in an away game against a traditional rival can be something special, as Tim Lemperle expressed. It gives the team the energy they need, while also showcasing their resilience.
Editor: Speaking of Tim Lemperle, he scored the crucial goal in the match. What does it mean for a player like him, who is still young, to step up in such an important game?
Dr. Müller: For a young player like Lemperle, this is a pivotal moment in his career. Scoring the winning goal in a high-stakes match can serve as a real confidence booster and can propel him further into the spotlight. It’s opportunities like these that help develop players into key figures for their teams. Moreover, it puts him on the radar for potentially more accolades this season.
Editor: Köln also had a strong performance earlier in the week with a 3-0 victory in the DFB Cup against Holstein Kiel. How significant are these back-to-back wins for the team’s trajectory?
Dr. Müller: Back-to-back victories are incredibly important! They create a winning mentality within the team, which can be vital as they continue navigating the season. Winning against a Bundesliga team like Holstein Kiel sets a positive precedent and shows that Köln can compete at higher levels. It helps consolidate their strategies, and if they maintain this momentum, they can certainly aim for higher standings in the league.
Editor: With Köln now in contention for a better position, what should be their focus as they move ahead?
Dr. Müller: Köln needs to build on this momentum but also focus on consistent performance. They should concentrate on their defense to ensure they don’t drop points easily, while also capitalizing on scoring opportunities. Maintaining team spirit and enhancing communication on the field will be key as they push towards a more competitive spot in the table.
Editor: Thank you, Anna! Your insights are invaluable, especially during this exciting time in the 2nd Bundesliga. We look forward to seeing how Köln’s season unfolds!
Dr. Müller: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how they perform in the upcoming matches!
Editor: Stay tuned for more discussions on the latest happenings in the world of sports!