After a slump, the Effzeh made a comeback.

... resulting in the Effzeh's resurgence.

In the relegation play-off match against 1. FC Union Berlin in Cologne, it seemed like a sure relegation for 1. FC Köln for a long time. But then FC pulled off a stunning comeback in the final moments, dragging Union Berlin into the relegation battle. After the 3:2 win, the stadium erupted with hope for a miracle.

The FC Köln fans who left their seats in the 85th minute without much reaction and walked towards the exit missed the most exciting part. It happened at the end of the game and lit up the arena. Despite the previous ability to turn around a game in the last minutes against Bochum a few weeks ago, FC had failed to win four games in a row. And it was unlikely that many fans would have bet on a comeback in the last minutes of this match before the 85th minute.

Before the game began, the situation was clear: a win would be necessary for 1. FC Köln to stay in contention for avoiding relegation. It was do or die. The problem for Cologne was that they hadn't been scoring many goals lately. They've always looked eager, but their counterattacks have been far too ineffective offensively, with only 24 goals scored before kickoff. So head coach Michael Kessler invoked the ketchup effect before the game. If the ball never wants to go across the line, it has to happen at some point. He just needed to establish the right combination.

It didn't start well for the hosts on this 33rd matchday. The mood in the stadium was almost euphoric on a warm, sunny day, but Union ice-cold brought FC two set-piece goals before the 20th minute (a header from a corner and a penalty after a handball). The first two goals completely deflated the atmosphere in the Cologne Arena. The initial enthusiasm and high spirits faded away.

After the game, FC players acknowledged that they had always believed in themselves and their comeback, even if they initially dropped their heads after being knocked down by Union. As captain Florian Kainz put it, "We're a team with strong character and never gives up." They needed a boost, though. Thanks to another penalty (Rani Khedira brought down Timo Hübers), which Kainz scored safely, FC came back just before halftime. The fans encouraged their team with cheers, shouting "FC jeff Jas. He weed nit resigniert" (FC step on the gas, there's no resignation here).

Coach Timo Schultz tried to speed up his team's performance by switching to a back three and taking more chances. He also brought on Steffen Tigges, Mark Uth, and Damion Downs. As the game went on, FC pressed more and more, sending long balls to Tigges and defensive leader Jeff Chabot, who had been held back early in the game. Still, nothing impressive came out of it. Faride Adilou's excellent chance in the 50th minute was the last big chance FC produced for a while.

A sense of discontent grew in the stands, along with the worry lines. The threat of relegation became more and more tangible by the minute. Still, FC refused to give in, even fighting for a draw. Then things got wild. All three substitutes played key roles in the crucial home win. In the 87th minute, Uth scored from a Hübers cross, bringing the stadium back to life.

"Suddenly everyone is back, every player, the entire stadium, pressing again," said Kainz of the atmosphere after the equalizer. "It happens so quickly in soccer."

In the closing moments of the match, Cologne gave it their all, unleashing their final ammunition. Redemption arrived in the third minute of extra time as Linton Maina made a dash towards the opponents' box on the left and found Kai Downs waiting at the far post to header the ball in and pave the way for an FC comeback. The stadium erupted in jubilation. Delirious supporters from the south curve climbed the fence, overcome with disbelief and emotion. Fireworks lit up the night sky, alongside the rekindled hope.

Commentators Dominique Heintz, still at a loss for words, said, "I have goosebumps and tears in my eyes at 3:2." The match was almost over; they had given up the fight and were prepared to embrace relegation. Suddenly, the ground gave way beneath their feet and they found themselves breathing once more. What a mad game, like a replay of their game against Bochum, he thought. The stadium must have shattered its decibel record that day. "That's not possible in many stadiums. We can be glad that the roof is still intact," commented Schultz later.

The referee blew his whistle at 5:27 pm and the fans continued to scream out their emotions. Most of the exhausted players sunk to the ground. Shaken by cramps, some couldn't believe it. They didn't understand how they managed to wrest control from their opponents in the dying moments. "Somehow, we turned the game around and earned another shot at redemption," said Kainz.

The team assembled at the center circle and received a rousing reception from the home crowd. After a brief speech from the fans, they paraded around the stadium. Thisseason's prospects hadn't looked good. The situation appeared desperate. But the impossible had happened. The team from Cologne had managed to claw their way back into the game, albeit narrowly. However, the starting spot ahead of the season finale remained unsavory at best. FSV Mainz 05 pummeled Borussia Dortmund 3-0 that evening, distancing themselves from Cologne's reach. The best FC could hope for now was a relegation spot - and only if they beat Heidenheim and Union lost. The goal difference would also play a part. Cologne had to make up four goals.

Schultz described the looming obstacle as "a losing battle". But they had the psychological advantage in the fight to stay in the league. "Although we've faced a lot of losses, the atmosphere in the team and in training changed dramatically after the draw against Freiburg," Schultz remarked. "There was something in the air. This might turn into one of the most unusual class victories in a long time." They've already shown it's possible.

"We must stay focused. We haven't accomplished anything yet, we need to understand that," cautioned Dominique Heintz against a premature celebration. "It was an important win. We'll have to put in a strong effort on the last matchday." The gods of football had smiled upon Cologne, and they clung tightly to this lifeline. "We gave a strong message to all FC fans," concluded Heintz. "Why do we put ourselves through this every time?" wondered a Cologne fan a little over three-quarter hours before kick-off. The answer came in the stoppage time.

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In light of their recent comeback win against 1.FC Union Berlin, speculations about 1.FC Cologne's survival in the Soccer Bundesliga have gained traction. Following the thrilling 3:2 victory, head coach Michael Kessler's strategy of utilizing the 'ketchup effect' in their final attack seemed to pay off, especially during their match against 1.FC Union Berlin in the Soccer Bundesliga.

Source: www.ntv.de