Was that the liberation? 1. FC Köln won a Bundesliga game for the first time since the beginning of December. A much-criticized player becomes man of the match.
Dejan Ljubicic has been next to himself in 1. FC Köln’s season so far. But the Austrian finally turned things around again against Eintracht Frankfurt (2-0). With his best performance of the season and two assists, he led FC to victory. The t-online individual review:
The goalkeeper had to be on his guard for the first time against Skhiri (40th). Scratched Chaibi’s free kick from the corner (52′). Created unnecessary uncertainty against Ekitiké (85th). But they didn’t concede a goal – only for the third time this season.
Schmitz was again given preference at the back right over Carstensen. Was attacked early in the build-up to the game, but continued to initiate attacks. He had his side under control surprisingly well and made almost no mistakes.
Hübers played an almost sparkling clean game. Had practically everything under control in the center, cleared carefully against Larsson (61′) and was also attentive in the build-up of the game. No wild things, just solid craftsmanship without mistakes. That helped the FC.
Chabot had a huge opponent in Kalajdzic, but almost lost the decisive header at the Frankfurt corner against Koch. Blocked a Skhiri shot. Alongside Hübers, he had everything under control, cleared several set pieces and went down when Tuta received a yellow-red card.
Finkgräfe is the discovery of the season and proved this against Frankfurt. Won the most tackles of any player on the field. Defended noticeably well against Ebimbe and Tuta. He repeatedly created opportunities through courageous advances. A boy who brings joy!
Martel had an extremely difficult time building up the game because Frankfurt kept him close. Therefore, he assumed his role primarily defensively and defended attentively in the center. A careful and strong game, which he crowned with a winning header duel before making it 1-0.
Huseinbasic worked a lot on the double six and also tried to set an offensive tone. Saw yellow when he kept his foot on Kalajdzic. Lost sight of Skhiri when he had a great chance (39′). More confident and attentive on the ball after the break.
Alidou was particularly motivated against his home club. Started with a good running route and lucky dribbling as an assist for Ljubicic (5th). Was prevented from making it 1-0 at the last second by Nkounkou (63′). Forced a yellow-red card for Nkoukou with dribbling and a tackle (66th) and made it 1-0 with the subsequent free kick (67th). Replaced a short time later with cramps.
Ljubicic was in strong form for the first time in months and was the man of the match. Got a chance early on with a side kick, but put it way over (5′). Got lost before finishing (39th). But as the first half progressed, I really got excited about the game. Only narrowly missed from 20 meters (45′). Then came the second half and Ljubicic prepared both goals for the win: first with his shot, which Alidou deflected, then by winning the ball and passing it to Thielmann.
The captain immediately found his way around, distributed the balls and put them through, took good standards and also looked for the finish himself. He ran a lot and was flat at some point, so he left the field for the final phase.
The striker got his first chance after just a minute, but was just offside. He wasn’t offside on the second big chance, but Trapp made a strong save (15′). Great ball win, start and cross pass to Alidou (63′). Müngersdorf finally shook when he shot in bone dry after Ljubicic’s assist to make it 2-0.
Sargis Adamyan (from the 73rd)