1. FC Cologne fought to a 1-1 (0-0) draw at VfB Stuttgart. Eric Martel scores like a goalscorer. Faride Alidou misses the win shortly before the end.
VfB Stuttgart dominated the game against 1. FC Köln, but the billy goats not only had a savior in dire need in Marvin Schwäbe, but also had a chance for three points in Faride Alidou. The t-Online individual review:
After his game-winning mistake against Bremen, he had to pay attention twice against Jeong for the first time (13th/14th minute). Was lucky that his bad pass didn’t go unnoticed (18′). Down in time against Millot (23rd). Had absolutely no chance at 0-1. But he held on outstandingly against Millot (68th) and thus decided the game for FC.
Carstensen had to deal with Führich and had his hands full with the ex-Cologne player. Although he intervened offensively several times, after his strong pass to Thielmann right at the beginning, his further efforts had no effect. After the break he made a mistake when he let Führich run behind him at 0-1. Then concentrate again. Attentive until the end.
Kilian was in the starting line-up again, this time replacing the ill Hübers. Started with an insecurity. Couldn’t stop Guirassy from having a great header chance because he didn’t even go up (17′). But it stabilized afterwards and limited itself to clearing away cleanly. That worked well.
Chabot returned after his yellow card suspension. Had to clarify matters in dire need several times and mostly looked after Guirassy. Saved on the line from a Führich free kick just before half-time. At 0-1, Millot made a decisive break at his back. But then he took control of the situation again and saved several times so that FC scored.
Second winner against Vagnoman in the first duel, then more attentive, but fluctuated between good actions and careless mistakes. Later on, he stayed completely behind against Silas so as not to take any risks.
Because Huseinbasic, who was next to him, was initially completely out of character, Martel also had enormous problems closing the center in the first half. At 0-1 there was no coordination with Carstensen so that Ito could play the low pass. But then he was spot on and scored to make it 1-1. Bredlow even challenged again with a deflected shot (75th).
Had a weak day in Stuttgart. Was completely overwhelmed in the first half hour, just ran after them, lost a bunch of duels and balls. Got Stiller’s shoulder in the face after 25 minutes. Remained a factor of uncertainty until he was replaced.
It was supposed to provide speed on the right, but that didn’t work. He also lost sight of his defensive duties, meaning Carstensen was alone too often. Ruined a good counter-attack opportunity with a bad pass to Kainz (70′). In the final phase he also used everything he had to save the point.
The captain basically just ran after the game, didn’t get into the duels at the front and didn’t get back quickly enough at the back. Had the fewest ball contacts on the field in the first half. Best scene when he served Thielmann flat (50th). Furthermore, almost invisible.
Justin Diehl celebrated his starting eleven debut in the Bundesliga. Immediately looked for the dribble and took the first shot after Stuttgart’s first pressure phase (21′). However, he had difficulty asserting himself against the robust Stuttgart team. He lacked penetration and had to leave the field after an hour.
Got the first big chance, but initially hesitated offside, so he wasn’t able to finish freely (4th). Again very hardworking, but again very safe. Didn’t quite get to Kainz’s cross (50′). In stoppage time for Tigges from the field.
Linton Maina (from the 60th)
Maina came on for Diehl and took over the left flank. He was immediately in the game and crossed perfectly to Martel to make it 1-1. Had another good chance to counterattack, but he lost the ball too easily.