Bundesliga: 1. FC Köln salvages draw against FC St. Pauli with late Luca Waldschmidt penalty
In a pivotal Bundesliga relegation battle, 1. FC Köln rescued a 1-1 draw against FC St. Pauli on Friday, April 17, 2026, thanks to a late penalty conversion by substitute Luca Waldschmidt. The match, played at Hamburg’s Millerntor-Stadion, saw Köln equalize in the 86th minute after falling behind to a first-half header by Karol Mets.
The result keeps both clubs in the thick of the relegation fight, with just five points separating them before kickoff. Köln entered the match unbeaten in their last four league outings, buoyed by a 3-1 victory over Werder Bremen the previous week. St. Pauli, meanwhile, had collected only two points from their prior five games and remained winless since late February.
Late penalty earns Köln vital point
St. Pauli struck first in the 69th minute when Mets rose highest to head home a cross from Jackson Irvine, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead. The goal came at a crucial moment for the home side, who had been pushing for a breakthrough after creating several chances earlier in the half.
Köln responded with increased pressure after the break and their persistence paid off in the 86th minute. Substitute Luca Waldschmidt, who had come on earlier in the second half, was brought down in the penalty area and stepped up to convert the resulting spot-kick. His calm finish past goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe leveled the score at 1-1, securing a valuable point for the visitors in their fight to avoid the drop.
Waldschmidt delivers off the bench
The goal marked Waldschmidt’s second penalty of the 2025-2026 Bundesliga season, bringing his tally to four goals and three assists in 21 appearances. Having rejoined Köln permanently in the summer of 2024 after a successful loan spell, the 29-year-old German forward has develop into a reliable option off the bench for head coach Gerhard Struber.
Waldschmidt, a product of the Eintracht Frankfurt academy, has represented Germany at various youth levels and earned seven senior caps. His experience has proven valuable in high-pressure moments, as demonstrated by his composure from the penalty spot against St. Pauli.
Relegation battle intensifies
The draw leaves both teams firmly entrenched in the Bundesliga relegation battle. With five matches remaining in the season, every point is critical for clubs aiming to avoid the automatic relegation spots or the playoff position. Köln’s ability to grind out results in tight games has been a hallmark of their recent form, although St. Pauli will necessitate to convert more of their chances if they are to escape the drop zone.
For Köln, the point extends their unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions. The club will look to build on this resilience when they host Eintracht Frankfurt in their next Bundesliga fixture on April 25, 2026.
As the Bundesliga season enters its final stretch, matches like this one between Köln and St. Pauli will continue to define the fate of clubs fighting for survival. Waldschmidt’s late penalty not only earned his team a deserved point but also underscored the fine margins that decide outcomes in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Bundesliga relegation battle and all the latest developments from Germany’s top flight.
