1. FC Köln achieved a narrow 1:0 victory over SSV Jahn Regensburg, closing in on the league leaders while maintaining a comfortable gap from the relegation zone. Tim Lemperle scored the decisive goal but was injured in the process. Despite missing a penalty, Köln’s defense held strong against Jahn, who struggled offensively. The teams are set for upcoming matches against Karlsruhe and Nürnberg, respectively.
1. FC Köln advances in the 2nd Bundesliga standings following a hard-fought victory over SSV Jahn Regensburg. They are now just two points shy of the league leaders, SC Paderborn, and one point behind both 1. FC Kaiserslautern and Hannover 96, who are level on points.
The match concluded with a 1:0 (1:0) scoreline in favor of the Cologne team, a result that was as close as it was deserved. However, they still maintain a four-point buffer from the relegation zone. Tim Lemperle netted the crucial goal in the 33rd minute in a Jahnstadion that was well-attended but not fully packed.
Under the leadership of Gerhard Struber, Köln has amassed 13 points from their last five matches. In contrast, SSV Jahn, guided by Andreas Patz, has struggled, securing only one point from their last four outings without managing to score a single goal.
“The pitch conditions were special, and the opponent posed significant challenges. It was the anticipated tough game, and they really gave it their all,” stated Cologne’s coach Struber in an interview.
Lemperle’s Injury After Scoring
Lemperle refrained from celebrating his goal due to sustaining an injury while taking the shot. This unfortunate twist meant that his effort secured a vital 1:0 lead and three points for 1. FC Köln on Sunday.
Missed Penalty by Ljubicic
Lemperle’s eighth goal of the season came at a cost, as he experienced a strain. Despite this, the Cologne fans erupted in cheers as their goalscorer limped off the field, feeling relieved after the opening goal that had been anticipated just 14 minutes prior.
However, Dejan Ljubicic had missed a penalty kick awarded by referee Konrad Oldhafer after reviewing a contentious incident. The decision was quite debatable, as Dominique Heintz’s header had struck Louis Breunig’s arm from a very close distance.
Regensburg Creates Opportunities
Just days earlier, Ljubicic had been the hero for Köln, converting a penalty in stoppage time to send his team into the quarter-finals of the DFB-Pokal against Hertha BSC. In Regensburg, goalkeeper Felix Gebhardt shone brightly despite his team’s earlier 0:3 defeat against VfB Stuttgart.
Unlike the match against the Bundesliga team, Jahn managed to create several threatening offensive plays. Robin Ziegele even had a golden opportunity for a header from just four meters out, but the ball was comfortably caught by Marvin Schwäbe, who has been back in the Köln goal since the eleventh matchday when they beat Hertha BSC 1:0.
Jahn’s Ball Possession Yet to Bear Fruit
Following this match, FC Köln notched two more victories without conceding before ending up in a 2:2 draw with Hannover 96. On Sunday in Regensburg, they found themselves in potential danger of dropping points during the second half.
Jahn enjoyed notably more possession compared to the first half and made more attempts to threaten Schwäbe’s goal. Yet, their offense remained ineffective, with Regensburg managing only five goals across 15 matches this season.
Upcoming Matches: Regensburg vs. Karlsruhe, Köln vs. Nürnberg
Next week, SSV Jahn will face Karlsruher SC (December 13, 6:30 PM), while Köln will host 1. FC Nürnberg (December 15, 1:30 PM).