1. FC Cologne lost to Bayer Leverkusen in a heartbreaking 2-1 home loss. In the Rheinderby, the hosts had been ahead for a while.
After an enthusiastic effort in the Rheinderby, Bayer Leverkusen may gradually climb their way out of the bottom of the standings. The team of coach Xabi Alonso earned their second victory in a short period of time with a 2:1 (0:1) victory against 1. FC Köln.
After a lacklustre start, Nadiem Amiri’s deflected free kick in the 65th minute and Moussa Diaby’s goal in the 71st minute helped the game turn around. Benno Schmitz’s first Bundesliga goal (30′) ultimately wasn’t sufficient for Cologne. Leverkusen really improved after the interval, earning their first away three under Alonso.
FC Cologne makes a solid opening.
The “Effzeh” had established the mood in the first half. The Werkself originally had neither security nor confidence following the astonishing 5-0 victory over Union Berlin. Leverkusen allowed themselves to become overly defensive in the early going. The citizens of Cologne originally held the upper hand with their customary vigor, vehemence, and readiness to flee. After 30 minutes, the tour was overdue.
After the change, Alonso gave the go for a triple change to catch up after a solid hour. Leverkusen didn’t enter the contest until just now, when they started applying pressure and played offensively as usual. Amiri’s shot on the free kick was fortunate for Bayer since it was deflected into the net.
Leverkusen is pushing it.
Then, in the 2-1 victory, Leverkusen displayed their attacking prowess. After Cologne lost the ball, the hosts rushed to the goal, where Frimpong fed Diaby, who scored from close range. The Cologne players did not return until the very end of the game and their late comeback was insufficient for a goal.
After the last horn:
Leverkusen will play against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday, while Cologne will play Hertha BSC, who are sixth in the standings. With one fewer point, the Swabians are one position below the Alonso team.
