1. FC Köln looked like the winner against TSG Hoffenheim for a long time, but shortly before the end they had to swallow the goal they conceded to make it 1-1.
In the decisive phase of the game, 19-year-old Max Finkgräfe took responsibility. The left-back grabbed a free kick from 25 meters and curled it into the right corner to make it 1-0. The youngster almost became the match winner. The t-online individual review.
Had to intervene against Weghorst for the first time after 25 minutes and parried the Dutchman’s cross deflected by Martel with his foot. Pay attention to the Hoffenheim corners. Powerless when conceding a goal shortly before the end.
Hoffenheim had identified Cologne’s right side of the defense with Schmitz as a weak point. Overall, he was a factor of uncertainty in the Cologne game, but then had an outstanding action when he threw himself into a shot from the completely free Skov (64th).
Needed some time to adjust in his first starting role in more than two months. But then he proved to be a decent replacement for Timo Hübers, who was ill, in central defense. Resolute in the duels and only with one wobble against Beier (15th). Not a factor in the game structure.
The usual rock in the woods, he hardly lost a ground duel and not a single air duel. He also threw himself into a shot from Ihlas Bebou at the last moment (29′). The only downer: picked up his fifth yellow card and is therefore suspended against Bremen.
What talent! With his carefree style of play, he remains one of Cologne’s hopes. Although he had problems defensively from time to time with the quick Bebou, he was rewarded with his fantastic free-kick goal and his first Bundesliga goal.
He latched on to a cross from Weghorst, which made it even more dangerous for his goalkeeper (25′). Acted as an important clearer in front of the back four and ran into numerous gaps, but also lost the ball once or twice.
Played an unremarkable game in the Cologne center. Had virtually no impact offensively. But shortly before the end there was a decisive situation when he was no longer able to get into a duel with goalscorer Kramaric.
Despite confidence from two goals in the last two games, Alidou didn’t start as strongly as last time. Made the wrong decision in many crucial actions and acted with little purpose. They were usually only second winners against the Hoffenheim defense (22 percent tackle rate). Substituted 15 minutes before the end.
The game largely went past the captain. Only had 24 ball contacts and lacked a lot of dynamism. His most striking action was in the 57th minute, when a pass to the front almost reached Jan Thielmann. Immediately afterwards replaced. Not his best day.
Had a strong passing and tackling rate, but wasn’t quite as eye-catching as he was recently against Eintracht Frankfurt. Driven forward strongly on a counterattack and could only be stopped by Bebou with a tactical foul. Also worked diligently defensively.
As the sole leader, he had a difficult time against the three Hoffenheim central defenders. Worked tirelessly, but was largely left hanging in the air because his teammates couldn’t get him into dangerous positions.
Linton Maina (from the 58th)
Immediately after being substituted on, he promptly set a new speed record in the game at 36.1 km/h. He took the free kick before the 1-0 lead and was generally an invigorating element in Cologne’s offensive game.
Steffen Tigges (from the 74th)
Not only celebrated his squad comeback against Hoffenheim, but was also allowed to take part in the last quarter of an hour. Fixed a few balls well, but had no significant action.