1. FC Köln lost to Bayer Leverkusen 0-2 (0-1), although FC held against them for a long time when they were outnumbered. In the end, a misfire decides the game.
In terms of sport, 1. FC Köln was dangerous for a long time against Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday despite being outnumbered early on and could even have fought for a point. But an early red card, luck with a second red decision and bad luck in the end led to defeat in the end. The t-online individual review:
At first I had surprisingly little to do. Had to show his class for the first time against Wirtz (37th), but was then powerless against Frimpong from close range just seconds later. Again against Wirtz (42nd). It was unfortunate that the score was 0-2, but the mistakes had been made beforehand.
Carstensen was given preference over Schmitz because of his speed. Defensively not always safe against Wirtz and Grimaldo in the first half. But with several strong cross runs – first to Alidou (45th + 2nd) and then even better to Adamyan, who only hit the post (51st). At 0:2 then we were weak against Adli when he couldn’t stop him in front of the cross. Moved forward in the final minutes.
Recently ill, Hübers took over for Kilian in central defense again. Was attentive at first, but then couldn’t clear the cross in the center before the score was 0-1. With a big mistake, which he ironed out himself (60th). Left his post before the 0:2 and moved out wide so that he was missing in the center.
Initiated Leverkusen’s first chance with a loss of the ball (4th). Then concentrate and consistently. But before the score was 0-1, he went next to Hübers to cross to the first post instead of securing the space behind where Frimpong ran in. Then he was safe again until he couldn’t make up for Hübers’ absence at 0-2. With the best duel rate on the field.
Finkgräfe had a difficult time against Frimpong. Tried to make advances, but had to hold back. Although he won the most duels on the field, he couldn’t keep up with the 0-1 loss against Frimpong (38′). After Diehl’s injury, moved to the offensive with Pacarada behind him.
After being outnumbered early on, Martel had to run even more to close the spaces against Hofmann and Wirtz. He was lucky that he didn’t also see a red card for his foul on Wirtz (30′). Went unnecessarily into the tackle at 0-2 and was in no man’s land.
Ljubicic moved to the double six for Huseinbasic (bench). Should have made it 1-0, but headed past the post from four meters (11′). Saw his fifth yellow card a short time later and is now suspended. He then behaved cleverly in the duel, still won a few balls and initiated several counterattacks carefully.
Alidou was back in the starting line-up and captain Kainz had to go to the bench to replace him. Initiated Adamyan’s chance with strong ball action in midfield (35′). Strong cross to Adamyan (45th). Missed the equalizer with his head (45th + 2nd). He also worked well back and played a committed game, but without the necessary luck.
Maina returned to the starting line-up for Diehl. Started strong with a perfect cross to Ljubicic (11th). When outnumbered, they primarily went backwards, but with their speed they were also part of the offensive, which tried several times to quickly create danger from the wings.
Thielmann unintentionally decided the duel with his foul against Granit Xhaka. Rightly saw the red card and sent his team into an almost impossible task in 75 minutes when they were outnumbered (14th).
Adamyan started for the first time this season and was very unlucky not to reward his dedicated performance with a goal. In difficult conditions, tried to secure balls with his back to the goal. Hit one hook too many after Alidou’s counterattack (35′). Bravely went for the header and with a bit of luck could have gotten a penalty (45th). Should have made it 1-1, but only hit the post (51′). From the field after 65 minutes.