News blog about 1. FC Cologne
Rescue postponed: FC suffers a setback – star is out
Updated on May 2, 2026 – 7:49 p.mReading time: 20 minutes
1. FC Köln is fighting to stay in the Bundesliga. In the news blog on t-online you will find all the important news about the Geißbockheim.
The 1. FC Cologne suffered a setback in the fight to stay in the league. The billy goats gave up a 2-0 lead at Union Berlin. After goals from Marius Bülter and Said El Mala, FC lost the lead in the last 20 minutes of the game and had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Doubly bitter: Not only is the rescue not yet perfect. To make matters worse, Eric Martel also saw his tenth yellow card and will be suspended for the last home game of the season on matchday 33 against 1. FC Heidenheim.
1. FC Köln will have to do without Rav van den Berg on matchday 32 at Union Berlin. The Dutchman had to abandon the final training session on Friday at Geißbockheim due to injuries. For the central defender, head coach René Wagner nominated Dominique Heintz, a veteran and former Unioner.
In addition, FC will have to do without the suspended Isak Johannesson. Denis Huseinbasic returned to the squad to replace the Icelander. He had to watch from the stands twice recently. With a win at Union on Saturday, FC could make it almost perfect to stay in the league.
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Will 1. FC Köln’s best joker be in the starting line-up at Union Berlin on Saturday? After his recent strong performances from the bench, Luca Waldschmidt has a legitimate chance of being in the starting eleven on the 32nd Bundesliga matchday.
“A little more than last week,” Wagner said at the press conference on Thursday with a meaningful smile. “Then let’s see if that happens.” Waldschmidt scored as a substitute in the last two games and scored four of his five goals this season as a substitute.
Timo Hübers is about to extend his contract with 1. FC Köln. In an interview with Radio Cologne, the former captain said: “I don’t necessarily want to bring you to the table, but I think we’re well on the way to reaching an agreement.” A timely report on completion can be expected.
