- In the 1860 Munich match, Cologne emerged victorious: spectators booed.
1860 Munich's disappointing run in the third tier of football continues, following their latest home defeat. The team failed to bounce back from a 1:3 (0:1) loss to Viktoria Köln, with frustrated fans voicing their displeasure with whistles at the final whistle. With three losses in three games, the pressure is building, including on head coach Argirios Giannikis.
"The first half was quite reserved. I was content with our reaction," said the 44-year-old post-match on MagentaSport. After a 0:1 opening loss to 1. FC Saarbrücken, they faced a 1:3 defeat at VfB Stuttgart II. Against Köln, Raphael Ott's magnificent headed goal in the 69th minute (1:2) was not enough to turn the tide.
Serhat Semih Güler's converted penalty in the 81st minute secured the win for Köln, following a risky challenge on Jonah Benedict Sticker in the box by Florian Bähr, which the coach dubbed "questionable". Goals from Bryan Henning (26') and Said El Mala (49') put Köln ahead before half-time. "We need to show more courage throughout the full 90 minutes," said the 'Lions' coach after the game: "Keep pushing, we have a derby in Ingolstadt coming up."
"We have to win now"
Falling 0:2 behind early in the second half, a boost was provided by Julian Guttau's left-footed shot (36') and Fabian Schubert's header hitting the post (44'). In extra time, Köln once again hit the post. "We were just superior", said Viktoria coach Olaf Janßen.
"We've lost three games in a row," acknowledged 1860 substitute player David Philipp: "We need to press on. We can't undo the past. We have to win now."
Despite their struggling performance, 1860 Munich fans still travel in droves to support their team, even during tough times in Bavaria's third tier. After their disappointment against Viktoria Köln, they now set their sights on a crucial derby against FC Ingolstadt in the hopes of turning their fortunes around.
The defending champions, Viktoria Köln, have been showing their dominance in the league, with a string of impressive victories, including their latest against 1860 Munich, bagging three important points in Bavaria.
