1. FC Köln suffered their first defeat of the new season. Against the previously undefeated Union Berlin, Luca Kilian was the tragic hero.
For Luca Kilian, the first eight minutes of the game against Union must have been among the worst of his career. The Cologne defender first gave the visitors the lead with an own goal when he deflected Sheraldo Becker’s shot into his own goal (3′). Then he owed a penalty – Robin Knoche headed Kilian on the outstretched arm (9th).
FC goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe then provided the Cologne team with the first sense of achievement and thus also made Kilian feel better. He even saved the weak penalty shot by Jordan Siebatcheu, who had returned to the Union starting eleven after muscular problems, and his team in the game (10th).
Union misses a higher lead but is secure
But Berlin remained the dominant team and Siebatcheu the unluckiest player in the capital. The striker had a great chance of scoring the second goal with a header after a cross from Christopher Trimmel, but he missed the Cologne goal from close range (25′).
It was the last high point of a largely one-sided first half, in which Cologne came into play better the closer it got to the half-time whistle. Coach Steffen Baumgart’s previously unbeaten team was unable to create a goal. Union substitute keeper Lennart Grill only had to intervene when Linton Maina shot (29′).
Only once did Cologne really come close to equalizing
But it became really dangerous for the Berliner Tor immediately after the restart. Maina ran away from the opposing defense and appeared free in front of Grill, who was able to defend his team’s lead with a good reflex (47th).
But shortly thereafter, only centimeters were missing for the preliminary decision. Trimmel prevailed on the left side and chipped the ball in the direction of the goal. But the cross grew longer and longer and turned into a dangerous shot on target that hit the crossbar (57′).
Kilian with one last unfortunate action
Overall, Union was once again extremely conscientious in dealing with a leadership. Coach Urs Fischer’s team defended in a disciplined and consistent manner, but also tried again and again to be successful with a counterattack in order to avoid tension in the final phase.
The third act of Kilian’s day then ensured that even when the score was 1-0 for Union, it no longer came up. The FC defender interrupted a Berlin counterattack with a foul on the center line and was sent off with a second yellow card (81′).
Both clubs internationally challenged
Union Berlin is traveling to Braga for the second match day of the Europa League group stage (Thursday, September 15, 2022 at 9 p.m.). At the same time, 1. FC Köln host Czech club 1. FC Slovácko on Matchday 2 of the Conference League group stage. In the Bundesliga things will only get serious again for both clubs on Sunday, September 18th, 2022. Then Union Berlin plays VfL Wolfsburg at home (3.30 p.m.) and the Billy Goats have to play VfL Bochum away (5.30 p.m.).