Let's Chalk it Up: Cologne Attains Victory, Münster Averts the Drop in Nail-biting Climax
Last-minute Goalkeeper Blunder Leads to Jubilant Cologne Victory
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The final stretch of the 2. Bundesliga season is witnessing a thrilling spectacle, with 1. FC Cologne dazzling toward a well-deserved Bundesliga return, and Preußen Münster stepping up to defy relegation odds with a fervor to match the autumn leaves.
1. FC Nuremberg – 1. FC Cologne: 1-2 (0-0)
Friedhelm Funkel, the seasoned coach parachuted into 1. FC Cologne, orchestrated an enthralling debut against 1. FC Nuremberg, culminating in a 2-1 victory that put the "Billy Goats" back on top of the table. As the final matchday approaches, the FC can seal their promotion as early as next weekend against 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
The game began with Janis Antiste netting the opener for Nuremberg in the 46th minute, capitalizing on a lapse in Cologne's defense. The visiting team stormed back with determination, scoring the equalizer through Florian Kainz in the 67th minute, with a helping hand from some doubtful antics by FCN goalkeeper Michal Kukucka, who was responsible for conceding the winning goal in the last minute. In a nail-biting twist of events, Cologne took advantage of Kukucka's faux-pas, sealing a much-deserved triumph.
Despite being introduced as Gerhard Struber's successor only a few days prior, Funkel's calm and pragmatic leadership seemed to breathe new life into the squad. Offering a stark contrast to the turbulent days that preceded his arrival, the 65-year-old coach focused on rekindling the lightness and joy that had initially debuted in the team's performances.
Cologne launched an impressive assault on Nuremberg's goal right from the get-go. The revitalized team threatened to score a penalty in the second minute, but the referee changed his decision following a video review. Regardless of this questionable call, Cologne remained unfazed, unleashing a barrage of attacks. Eric Martel (6') and Tim Lemperle (10') both let golden opportunities slip, while Jan Thielmann (19') struck the post, only to be denied once more by the crossbar halfway through the first half (36').
Although Cologne made defensive errors early on in the second half, Funkel reacted swiftly by replacing two players, bringing on Linton Maina and Incarville-Williams in the 61st and 69th minutes, respectively. With this tactical reshuffle, Cologne surged forward aggressively, and despite a flurry of chances, they needed more time to find the elusive equalizer. Kainz eventually delivered in the closing stages of the match, evading the desperate attempts of a depth-defending Nuremberg and finding the crucial breakthrough.
Preußen Münster – Hertha BSC: 2-0 (1-0)
Münster left no stone unturned in their quest to dodge the relegation gauntlet, notching up a crucial 2-0 win against Hertha BSC. With 35 points, Münster climbed up the ranks to 14th place, boosting hopes of securing survival before the final matchday, scheduled for this coming Sunday (15:30 CET/Sky and ntv.de live ticker) against their competitor SSV Ulm (17th/29 points).
Jorrit Hendrix (30'/70'), in an impromptu display of flair, executed a truly spectacular scissor kick to give the home team the lead, while Hertha's Linus Gechter (77') received a straight red for a rough tackle. Münster's striker, Maximilian Galindo (74'), almost secured a hat-trick, but his shot was expertly parried by Hertha's goalkeeper Dennis Smarsch.
Coach Pander and Kieran Schulze-Marmeling, who took over the helm after Sascha Hildmann's departure in late April, have been guiding Münster through the challenging phase of the relegation battle with admirable resilience. Last week, the Münster team delivered a stunning 5-0 victory against promotion candidates 1. FC Magdeburg[1]. Overall, Münster has managed to remain unbeaten across their last four games.
Whilst Hertha BSC has already secured their survival after a topsy-turvy season, the visiting team found themselves struggling to make an impact against the hosts in the first half. Captain Marc Lorenz (16') of Preußen missed the first chance, but Hendrix soon regained possession of the ball and executed an excellent scissor kick, sending the ball soaring into the net beyond Smarsch's reach.
Although Berlin showed signs of life in the second half, Münster continued to threaten their opponents' goal. Niko Koulis' (51') header from a free kick corner was saved by Smarsch, but he was unable to prevent Hendrix's header from creeping through his grasp in the last phase of the game. Berlin pressed hard for an equalizer, with substitute Michal Karbownik (74') causing concern by striking the crossbar, but it was not enough to avert Münster's victory.
Source: ntv.de, tsi/sid
- 1.FC Köln
- Football
- 2. Bundesliga
- 1.FC Nürnberg
- Hertha BSC
- SC Preußen Münster
Note: Friedhelm Funkel did not serve as a coach for 1. FC Köln during the 2021-2022 2. Bundesliga season.
- In the midst of the thrilling spectacle that is the final stretch of the 2. Bundesliga season, both 1. FC Cologne and Preußen Münster have been making headlines.
- Cologne's fierce determination and questionable tactics led to a nail-biting 2-1 victory over 1. FC Nuremberg, keeping them at the top of the table and a step closer to their Bundesliga return.
- Meanwhile, Preußen Münster has shown remarkable resilience under the leadership of coaches Pander and Kieran Schulze-Marmeling, securing a crucial 2-0 victory against Hertha BSC, boosting their survival chances.
- The rivalry between the twocommunities, Cologne and Münster, in the realm of football, continues to be a hot topic, with the final matchdays promising to be as divisive as ever.
