- Struber secures consecutive victories as Cologne triumphs over Sandhausen
1. FC Cologne, relegated from Bundesliga, triumphs in DFB Cup with thrilling 3:2 extra time victory over SV Sandhausen. The win was their initial competitive success of the season. Coach Gerhard Struber's squad showed resilience following two league defeats, as Mathias Olesen netted the decisive goal in the 116th minute.
Left-back Julian Pauli (20') and midfielder Linton Maina (34') had given Cologne a comfortable lead in front of 9,705 viewers, but a questionable 3:0 goal from Tim Lemperle was nullified due to a foul.
Underdogs SV Sandhausen, competing in the third tier, began the campaign with two 1:0 victories but faced difficulties throughout the game. However, they managed to bounce back with a penalty from Besart Halimi and equalized in the 6th minute of additional time thanks to substitute Richard Meier.
The additional time was marked by equal opportunities at both ends: SVS captain Jakob Lewald missed an open goal (114') and Rasmus Carstensen curled an effort onto the crossbar (112'). It was ultimately Olesen who sealed the victory.
In the DFB Cup final, The first is FC Köln, who had been relegated from Bundesliga, surprised everyone with a thrilling 3:2 extra time victory over third-tier side SV Sandhausen. Despite losing their initial two league matches, coach Gerhard Struber's team demonstrated great resilience and determination.
Mathias Olesen, an essential member of FC Köln's squad, scored the decisive goal in the 116th minute of extra time, securing their first competitive success of the season and a memorable victory against the underdogs.
