1. FC Heidenheim and 1. FC Köln drew 2:2 (2:1) in an entertaining and overall balanced game on the 16th matchday of the Bundesliga. It’s a point gain, but it only helps both teams to a limited extent.
Heidenheim failed to get out of the relegation zone and remains in 17th place. On the other hand, 1. FC Köln’s results crisis continues. FC has now been without a win for seven Bundesliga games in a row. Marvin Pieringer gave FCH the lead with a dream goal (15th minute). Eric Martel equalized again a short time later. Julian Niehues made it 2-1 for FCH (28th). Said El Mala made the final score (48′), also with a dream goal.
“He is one of the best substitutes in the Bundesliga”said Cologne coach Lukas Kwasniok in the Sportschau interview and defended the decision not to start the young national player again: “We want to develop him. He has the quality when he comes off the bench and he can win games for us in the second half.” Kwasniok said he could live with the point, especially since the team was behind twice. “The boys aren’t brimming with self-confidence right now.”said the FC coach. “Attitude and willingness were absolutely top, the team believes in itself.”
However, the Cologne team was no more able to land the urgently needed liberation blow than the penultimate team from Heidenheim. “We allowed too many chances”said Coach Frank Schmidt and also took on some of the responsibility himself: “Our substitutions made us worse, unlike our opponents.”
Heidenheim’s Pieringer is applying for goal of the year
Heidenheim took control of the game from the kick-off, but after eleven minutes had to thank their goalkeeper Diant Ramaj for not falling behind. Ramaj was first there against Ragnar Ache (9th) and then thwarted a great chance from Jakub Kaminski.
Despite being superior, Heidenheim needed around 15 minutes to shoot at Cologne’s goal for the first time – but then took the lead in a sensational way. Jan Schöppner actually crossed the ball from the right side into Pieringer’s back, but the attacker turned quickly and artistically sank the ball into the Cologne goal with an overhead kick (15th). An early but promising application for goal of the year.
Cologne’s Martel quickly equalizes
The celebration didn’t last long, however, as 1. FC Köln struck back just three minutes later. Alessio Castro Montes crossed from the left into the penalty area, where Martel headed in to equalize (18′).
But the goal didn’t give the Cologne team much of a boost. Instead, FCH showed impressive efficiency and took the lead again with their second shot on goal. Following a short corner, the ball landed at Niehues, who with a bit of luck made it 2-1 through many defensive legs (26th).
However, the FCH subsequently lost its efficiency. Because Arijoin Ibrahimovic (32nd) and Sirlord Conteh (36th) had great chances to make it 3-1, but each left them behind. In stoppage time in the first half, FC came into play again. Winter newcomer Jahmai Simpson-Pusey scored twice, but was first denied by Ramaj and then by Patrick Mainka, who cleared the ball off the line (45th+1).
Cologne’s El Mala comes and scores immediately
FC coach Kwasniok reacted and brought shooting star El Mala into the game in the second half. A good decision, as it turned out just two minutes later. El Mala received the ball in midfield, moved to the middle in front of the penalty area and hit the right corner with his left – the next dream goal (48th). The ball was slightly deflected, so Ramaj had no chance.
The game continued to be entertaining afterwards. In the 51st minute, FC goalkeeper Schwäbe saved from a long-range shot from Schöppner. On the other hand, Ache should have made it 3-2 for Cologne after 64 minutes. After Martel’s cross, the striker finished freely from six meters in a central position, but shot past Ramaj on the line.
Heidenheim in Mainz, Cologne at home against Bayern
In the final phase, both teams wanted to win, but were also noticeably afraid of making mistakes. The number of chances decreased accordingly. In stoppage time, FC had another great chance to score a lucky punch. However, Ache remained unlucky and, sliding, shot at Ramaj again from five meters.
Both teams will continue in a few days. Heidenheim will be a guest at 1. FSV Mainz on Tuesday evening (8.30 p.m.). Cologne welcomes FC Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening (8:30 p.m.).