"Failed to comprehend": 1st FC Köln suffers an unprecedented loss
Despite numerous opportunities, 1. FC Köln's players failed to score during the first half. These un converted chances came back to haunt them in the second half: The visitors from Magdeburg scored twice and denied the Cologne team from securing a spot in second place.
The relegated side from the Bundesliga, 1. FC Köln, missed out on a promotion opportunity to the second division. Following two victories, the Rhinelanders suffered a 1:2 (0:0) home defeat to 1. FC Magdeburg on Saturday evening despite having dominance and a 1:0 lead. As a result, Magdeburg moved up to second place.
Damion Downs (49.) scored the deserved 1:0 for FC, but Falko Michel (66.) and Jean Hugonet (83.) flipped the game in favor of the visitors. Cologne slipped to seventh place after their second home loss for the season - now four points behind Magdeburg. "If you analyze the game, no one would think that Magdeburg would win," said Cologne captain Timo Hübers on Sky, "that's utterly frustrating. I can't comprehend it myself."
Cologne dominated the first half, with 18:2 shots on goal, but failed to take advantage of their significant superiority. The FC's biggest opportunity was thwarted by Mohammed El Hankouri, who cleared the ball just before Tim Lemperle could shoot and hit the post (18.). Many home fans were already celebrating, only to end up confused.
Immediately after the break, the hosts were awarded: After a mistake in Magdeburg's play, Downs scored a remarkable goal by combining with Lemperle and Maina for the well-deserved lead - with their 20th shot on goal. The equalizer came unexpectedly: After a cross from powerful El Hankouri, substitute Michel scored the 1:1 header. Then Hugonet scored with a deflected shot on his second attempt. In the end, 1. FC Köln had a staggering 33 (!) shots on goal - and still lost. It only took Magdeburg nine attempts to score the two goals.
Despite the missed promotion opportunity, 1. FC Köln remains in contention for a spot in the second football league. Regardless of their dominance in the first division's second football league, the team's failure to capitalize on their chances has resulted in missed promotion opportunities.
