DDespite an emotional comeback against OGC Nice, 1. FC Köln did not get beyond a draw and were eliminated from the Europa Conference League. Coach Steffen Baumgart’s team separated 2-2 (0-2) from the southern French on Thursday evening. The Cologne goals from Denis Huseinbasic (48th minute) and Ondrej Duda (60th) in a furious second half were just not enough.
For the international winter, the Rhinelanders would have needed a win in front of 47,000 spectators. After dropping out of the European Cup and the DFB Cup, FC now has to concentrate on the Bundesliga. Gaëtan Laborde (40′) and Billal Brahimi (43′) scored the goals for Nice.
Carnival hits and Rhenish folklore
The first leg almost two months ago was overshadowed by riots and fights in the stands. This time the police prevented a dispute in front of the stadium, according to their own statements. Before the game, carnival hits and Rhenish folklore dominated the events in the arena. The Cologne fans received their team with a great choreography. And that showed its effect.
The Cologne team found the game well and quickly. As usual, Baumgart’s team played aggressively and fought well. The technically experienced French should not even be allowed into the game. Cologne also had the first really good chance. Steffen Tigges (26th) failed with his header to goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. But the guests always remained dangerous.
Favre’s team had a clear plan: after winning the ball, it should go forward quickly. Twice it went too fast for Cologne. A failed clearance from Pedersen ended up with Laborde, who dribbled past Ellyes Skhiri and converted with his left. Three minutes later, Florian Kainz then lost the ball on the center line. The guests used this for a quick counterattack, which Brahimi successfully completed.
What a mood dampener just before the break – one might have thought. But instead of coming out of the dressing room completely frustrated, the Cologne team boldly stormed forward. Sargis Adamyan had a huge chance in the 47th minute, and Schmeichel parried his shot superbly. A minute later, the Dane looked less good. He couldn’t fend off a shot from Huseinbasic on the short corner – suddenly it was 1:2. And then the people of Cologne took the audience on a wild ride.
FC was now pushing, FC wanted it with all their might. After a low cross, Duda got the ball in the penalty area, turned around briefly and shot the goal to make it 2-2. Now the stadium was boiling. A few seconds later it got even louder: but the supposed 3:2 by Adamyan was disallowed for offside. There was no happy ending.
