1. FC Köln is taking small steps out of the crisis. The team of coach Markus Gisdol did not win at the strong promoted VfB Stuttgart in the 15th Bundesliga game in a row, but still managed to score 1: 1 (1: 1). Orel Mangala scored after just 23 seconds for the hosts. Sebastian Andersson (23rd) scored the equalizer with a penalty kick.
The Cologne started briskly, immediately after the kick-off they put the Stuttgart under pressure in their half – but that went wrong: VfB played its way out of the Cologne pressing via captain Gonzalo Castro, the fine combination was completed by Mangala deliberately with a right-footed shot (1 .). It’s the earliest goal this season.
Didavi hits the post
Daniel Didavi almost scored 2-0 a little later, but his free kick from a good 20 meters only hit the crossbar (3rd). Gisdol reacted after just over a quarter of an hour and replaced Kingsley Ehizibue, who had already been warned with yellow. FC couldn’t cope with the early deficit – only a penalty whistle helped. Atakan Karazor pulled Andersson down from a throw-in on the left edge of the box; Andersson himself transformed (23rd).
After equalizing, Cologne got better into the duels and the pressing. Dimitrios Limnios tested VfB goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with a long shot (33rd). However, FC goalkeeper Timo Horn also had to face the rushing Tanguy Coulibaly (45th). And Cologne remained dangerous: Andersson also failed to Kobel (53rd), Elvis Rexhbecaj’s shot (60th) just missed the Stuttgart goal.
It wasn’t enough for another goal. However, no FC coach has been allowed to wait for a win to play as many games as Gisdol. The last success in the Bundesliga dates from March, when Cologne won against the later relegated Paderborn.
