Cologne Turns Things Around, Münster Secures Crucial Win: A Rollercoaster Ride in the Lower German Leagues
Last-minute Cheer for Cologne: Goalkeeper's Blindspot Secures Victory
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With Friedhelm Funkel stepping into the driver's seat, 1. FC Cologne is pressing hard for a return to the Bundesliga. In a thrilling 2:1 victory against 1. FC Nuremberg, the Billy Goats snatched a last-minute win, leaving the coach beaming with pride before a decisive encounter next weekend. Meanwhile, Preußen Münster stole a significant stride towards survival by beating Hertha BSC.
1. FC Nuremberg - 1. FC Cologne 1:2 (0:0)
Funkel kicked off his rescue mission on a high note, securing a well-deserved 2:1 triumph over 1. FC Nuremberg, thanks to a late goal. With promotion tantalizingly close, Cologne faces 1. FC Kaiserslautern next weekend, a game that could well seal their Bundesliga return.
In the opening minutes, Janis Antiste struck for Nuremberg (46'), capitalizing on a sluggish Cologne response in the second half. However, the Billy Goats immediately retaliated, with Florian Kainz equalizing (67') off a blunder by Nuremberg goalkeeper Michal Kukucka (90').
In a whirlwind of emotions, Funkel's Cologne displayed resilience and determination, climbing back to the top of the table - albeit temporarily. Despite an impressive start in their first games under Funkel, Cologne initially struggled under Struber. The team's form appeared inconsistent, leading to the departure of Christian Keller due to disagreements with the board regarding the decision to let Struber go. Funkel's arrival aimed to restore harmony and reignite the lost spirit among the players.
Preußen Münster - Hertha BSC 2:0 (1:0)
Preußen Münster scored a crucial victory in their battle against relegation, humbling Hertha BSC 2:0. The triumph lifted Münster up from the relegation playoff spot to 14th place, leaving them within touching distance of direct survival before the final matchday.
Jorrit Hendrix lit up the home victory with a stunning goal from his heel (30'/70'), while Linus Gechter saw red (77') for a dangerous foul. Münster could further cement their survival hopes this coming Sunday (15:30 CET/Sky and live ticker at ntv.de), taking on fellow contender SSV Ulm (17th/29 points) in the 34th matchday.
The coaching switch in late April, swapping Sascha Hildmann for team manager Pander and coach Kieran Schulze-Marmeling, appears to have paid off in the crucial phase of the relegation struggle. Following a surprising 5-0 victory against promotion candidate 1. FC Magdeburg, Preußen Münster has gone unbeaten in three consecutive games.
In a tightly contested first half, Preußen showcased their dominance early on, with captain Marc Lorenz (16') coming close before Hendrix (30') opened the scoring with a sensational heel-kick goal that would find the net. Despite lacking urgency after the break, the hosts remained the more dangerous side throughout the match, with Niko Koulis (51') and Hendrix (72') posing constant threats to Hertha's defense.
Sources: ntv.de, tsi/sid
- 1.FC Köln
- Football
- 2. Bundesliga
- 1.FC Nürnberg
- Hertha BSC
- SC Preußen Münster
- The victory against 1. FC Nuremberg on matchday, a 2:1 triumph for 1. FC Cologne, was a testament to Friedhelm Funkel's impact as coach, engineering a last-minute win and temporarily topping the table.
- Promoted by Funkel's strategic guidance, Cologne now faces 1. FC Kaiserslautern in a crucial encounter next weekend, a game that could seal their return to the Bundesliga.
- Meanwhile, Preußen Münster, battling relegation, secured a vital 2:0 win against Hertha BSC, moving up from the relegation playoff spot to 14th place.
- The coaching switch in late April, with Sascha Hildmann stepping down for team manager Pander and coach Kieran Schulze-Marmeling, seems to have galvanized Preußen Münster in their struggle to secure direct survival.
