Last-Minute Turnaround: 1. FC Köln Secures Victory Against Jahn Regensburg in DFB-Pokal
In a thrilling encounter, 1. FC Köln overcame a determined Jahn Regensburg to advance in the DFB-Pokals first round. The match, played on August 17, 2025, was a rollercoaster ride for both teams, with Regensburg taking a commanding lead before Köln staged a dramatic comeback in injury time.
Match summary and key moments:
Jahn Regensburg started the game strongly, taking the lead in the 66th minute through a brilliant curling strike by Benedikt Bauer. Despite being the underdogs, Regensburg capitalised on their moment, showcasing their resilience against a Bundesliga opponent.
Köln dominated possession throughout but struggled to create clear chances during normal time. They were on the brink of elimination due to Regensburg’s disciplined defensive strategy. In an intense finale, Köln turned the game around with two goals deep into stoppage time.
Eric Martel scored a fierce volley to equalize at 90+6 minutes, demonstrating his composure under pressure. Summer signing Isak Bergmann Johannesson scored the winner two minutes later at 90+8, completing a remarkable late comeback that sparked wild celebrations among Köln’s traveling fans.
Tactical and strategic analysis:
Regensburg, a third-division team, focused on a disciplined defensive block, absorbing pressure and hitting Köln on the break. This was exemplified by Bauer’s long-range goal. Köln’s strategy centered on controlling possession, trying to break down Regensburg’s well-organized defense; however, they lacked penetration or clear-cut chances until very late.
The late goals suggest Köln’s resilience and mental strength, capitalising on set pieces or high-intensity moments in added time.
Player performances:
Benedikt Bauer was a standout for Regensburg, scoring a memorable goal that nearly secured an upset. Eric Martel’s volley was critical in keeping Köln alive, while Isak Bergmann Johannesson’s late goal highlighted his impact as a summer signing, providing a decisive contribution when it mattered most.
Other results:
- Regensburg increased the pressure in the second half, creating several good opportunities after Bauer's goal. Regensburg's best chance fell to Hermes, but his shot was saved by Timo Horn.
- The game between 1. FC Lok Leipzig and FC Schalke 04 ended in a 0:0 draw after 90 minutes.
- RSV Eintracht 1949 lost to 1. FC Kaiserslautern, 0:7.
- ZFC Meuselwitz lost to Karlsruher SC, 0:5.
- Atlas Delmenhorst lost to Borussia Mönchengladbach, 2:3.
Blau-Weiß Lohne suffered a 0:2 defeat to SpVgg Greuther Fürth in another DFB-Pokal first round match, with Isak Johannesson also scoring a goal for 1. FC Köln in injury time. The unpredictable and thrilling nature of the DFB-Pokal first round was once again on display.
In the European leagues, 1. FC Köln achieved a dramatic turnaround in their DFB-Pokal match against Jahn Regensburg, with Isak Bergmann Johannesson scoring the decisive winner in added time after Eric Martel's equalizer. This nerve-wracking encounter followed a strong start from Regensburg, demonstrated by Benedikt Bauer's curling strike in the 66th minute.
