Viktoria Köln suffered their fourth competitive defeat in a row in a catch-up game against 1. FC Saarbrücken.
Coach Olaf Janßen’s team lost 2:5 (0:1) in a game on matchday 21 on Wednesday evening and is 14th in the table. eight points ahead of the relegation zone. Saarbrücken worked its way up to eleventh place with its ninth win of the season.
After the bitter 0-1 loss at MSV Duisburg, injury-plagued Viktoria made two changes to the starting line-up, including Thomas Idel making his third division debut for Cologne following Christoph Greger’s injury.
False start for Victoria
It only took three minutes before Saarbrücken took the lead with their first opportunity of the game. Cologne’s André Becker unluckily sent a free kick from a half-left position to the feet of Amine Naifi (3rd), who scored with a volley from close range.
The guests from Saarbrücken remained the dominant team and attacked Cologne early on, and Cologne’s defense floundered at times. With a header from von Zeitz (14th), Cologne keeper Ben Voll prevented a further deficit with a brilliant save.
Cologne is completely in the game
After about 30 minutes, Cologne was able to stabilize somewhat, but remained completely harmless in front of the opponent’s goal. It was only after 37 minutes that Viktoria fired their first shot on goal from 17 meters through Sidny Lopes Cabral, with which FCS goalkeeper Tim Schreiber had no problems.
Shortly afterwards, Saarbrücken missed their next great chance. A precise cross from Calogero Rizzuto found the free-standing Kai Brünker (40th) in front of the Cologne goal, whose central shot was once again blocked by Voll, who parried brilliantly.
Saarbrücken strikes again after the break
After the half-time break, Saarbrücken extended its lead: Viktoria, who had advanced far, lost the ball, the FCS countered, the rushing Brünker (47th) stayed cool in front of Voll and made it 2-0. This time Cologne had the right answer. Stefano Russo passed the ball back to Jeremias Lorch in the penalty area, who shot from 13 meters. Saarbrücken’s keeper Schreiber let the ball slap forward, Becker (54′) dusted it off and reduced the score to 1:2.
Cologne was now better in the game, but had to accept the next cold shower. David Kubatta clearly fouled Luca Kerber in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty. Voll was able to parry Kasim Rabihic’s shot, but not Naifi’s follow-up shot (67′).
Afterwards the FCS was the better team. Becker cleared a shot from Rabihic (71′) with his head on the line, the outstanding Voll prevented Naifi’s third goal (77′) with a lightning reaction. Finally, the guests scored their fourth goal: After a through pass to Brünker, he played across to Kerber (85th), who only had to hold out his foot.
In stoppage time, Cologne’s 20-year-old talent Luca de Meester was not attacked and scored his first third division goal from around 20 meters. However, the FCS set the final point: Tim Civeja, who was left alone, circled the ball into the right corner to make the final score 5-2.
Viktoria now against Sandhausen
Viktoria’s next home game against SV Sandhausen is on Saturday (2 p.m.). Saarbrücken welcomes Arminia Bielefeld on Sunday (4:30 p.m.).
