1. FC Köln earned a deserved 1:1 (1:1) at VfL Wolfsburg. However, the billy goats were again unable to maintain their lead over time.
Did 1. FC Köln gain self-confidence again in Wolfsburg? Faride Alidou, a previously much-maligned player, scored his first goal for the Billy Goats. In the end, Marvin Schwäbe saved the point. The T-Online individual review:
Had to tackle the wind for the first time after ten minutes. There was no trouble until it was 1-1, but there was no chance against Paredes from close range. Unsafe on the Majer cross (45th+3). Very strong against Paredes (89th) – also saved the point from the following corner.
Schmitz returned at right back for Carstensen and had a lot of trouble with Paredes. Couldn’t stop the scorer from making it 1-1. He then received a yellow card because he could not stop the nimble left winger. His shot from the second row was too central (45th + 14th). More stable after the break, but still had to leave the field after an hour.
Hübers won many duels, held his position better than before and tried to play courageous passes forward. That didn’t always work, but the central defender had most of it under control. In the 1-1 draw, however, he was missing where Schmitz could no longer clarify.
Chabot didn’t always have an easy time against the wind, but he did well for a long time. Made a great save on the line against Svanberg in the 2nd minute. But shortly before the end he made an unnecessary stick error that led to a corner, which he then cleared himself.
Started with a mistake against Cerny, but then with a strong cross to Thielmann (7th). Finkgräfe was one of the most noticeable players from Cologne, not only because he unfortunately hit the linesman in the head with a clearance (14th). Left alone, he was unable to defend the 1-1 scoreline against two players on his side. Solved many tasks with amazing calm and won most of the FC duels in the game. Outstanding tackle in dire need against Paredes (75th).
Cologne’s long-running midfielder had trouble in the direct duels, won an unusually few duels (46%) and also made an unusually high number of bad passes (8). Also caused the Svanberg free kick (45th + 1). Played a better second half than the first.
Like Martel, Huseinbasic also had problems in duels. The decisive factor was his lost duel before the 1:1 score. Wasn’t as confident on the ball as FC needed to be able to play better in some situations. Was lucky that he was able to correct his mistake with the stick (84′).
Alidou was a bit surprising in the starting line-up, but justified his selection with a good performance. Not only did he make it 1-0 with his head (38th). He was involved in many actions and had clearer possession of the ball than before. However, he was lucky that he didn’t hit his opponent with his karate move. After an hour for Maina from the field.
Kainz again played as a free spirit in the offensive center and was involved in many actions – he took the free kick to make it 1-0. With difficulty against the ball, because Wolfsburg were extremely strong in duels in the center. But was unable to record a shot on goal or an assist on a goal.
For a long time against the club that wanted him in the summer, Ljubicic played as if he wasn’t even on the pitch. Practically didn’t happen at all in the first half, the most noticeable scene was when he picked up a yellow card for complaining (45th + 8th). Slightly improved after the break when he couldn’t finish an Alidou cross and tried passes deep. From the field after 75 minutes.
Thielmann was back at the forefront. Got the first good chance, but his shot was deflected (7th). Laid up well for Maina (66th). Never lost a ball, the best example being in the 79th minute against Vranckx. He had the chance to take the lead when he won the ball, but narrowly missed (82′). Then for Dietz from the field.