Despite a committed performance, 1. FC Köln had no offensive result against Borussia Dortmund – and helped BVB to a clear victory even with naive defensive behavior.
Dortmund won 4-0 on Saturday (January 20, 2024) and, as fifth in the table with 33 points, still have every chance in the race for a place in the Champions League. FC, on the other hand, has been waiting for a win since the beginning of December. Cologne remain in second-to-last place in the table with a meager 11 points after 18 match days, with only the slightly better goal difference separating Cologne from bottom team Darmstadt. At this point in the season, FC only had a worse record in the 2017/18 relegation season.
Painting with a brace in Dortmund’s 4-0 win
Donyell Malen (12th) took the early lead for BVB, Niclas Füllkrug (58th, penalty kick), Malen again (61st) and Youssoufa Moukoko (90th + 2) followed up.
However, BVB only appeared like favorites in Cologne in the second half. As was the case last time, Dortmund’s defense chief Mats Hummels was missing due to illness. Niklas Süle, who was publicly criticized by sports director Sebastian Kehl, started, but had to go out injured at the break.
Sancho in the BVB starting eleven – and with an assist
The focus was on a different personality anyway: Returnee Jadon Sancho, on loan from Manchester United, was in the BVB starting line-up for the first time in 979 days and, as in Darmstadt, prepared a goal. Dortmund’s first very early chance had Julian Brandt, who only hit Cologne goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe from the best position (4th). However, Cologne’s game initially looked better.
Malen’s opening goal was too easy
The team, which had suffered a lot due to a change in coach, a transfer ban and numerous failures, had already been loudly welcomed by thousands of fans in front of the stadium. On the pitch in the first half they were stronger in tackles and also more confident in their passes than the visitors – who were easily allowed to take the lead: After a corner, Linton Maina lost sight of Malen on the edge of the penalty area and the Dutchman put the ball free-standing into the corner.
As a result, BVB was extremely low against the relegation candidate and was still prone to errors in the transition game, so that there was hardly any danger of scoring until the break. The defense around Süle at least reliably defended Cologne’s numerous crosses and passes.
Cologne with a lot of effort, but harmless
The FC made an effort, but the already harmless team lacked the goal more than ever when playing forward: Coach Timo Schultz responded to Davie Selke’s long-term injury with a lineup without a center forward, but U21 national player Jan Thielmann was busy as a false nine for a long time harmless.
He should have scored the equalizer immediately after the break (46′), but was denied by Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel. Shortly afterwards Kobel was already beaten, the post saved after Maina’s impressive shot.
Carstensen unhappy – Dortmund ice cold
But Dortmund countered – and once again benefited from Cologne’s naive defensive behavior: Sancho moved into the penalty area with a nimble movement and gratefully went to the ground after Carstensen grabbed his jersey. Füllkrug safely converted the penalty to make it 2-0.
Carstensen also played an unfortunate role in Dortmund’s third goal, his loss of the ball on the right wing opened up the counterattack for BVB, new signing Ian Maatsen served Malen very well, the Dutchman made it 3-0 – the game was decided.
Cologne has to go to Wolfsburg, BVB welcomes Bochum
After two home games in the new year without any major results, Cologne have to play away on the next matchday 19, on Saturday (3:30 p.m.) at VfL Wolfsburg. Dortmund welcomes VfL Bochum on Sunday at the end of the match day.