Cologne remains the league leader: Schalke is deep in the relegation battle!

Cologne remains the league leader: Schalke is deep in the relegation battle!

The 1st FC Köln remains even after the 1-0 victory against Schalke 04 league leaders of the 2nd Bundesliga and rehabilitates himself impressively after the defeat in the DFB Cup against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. In the sold-out Rheinenergie Stadium it was Damion Downs that scored the decisive goal in the 14th minute, which fell after a capital mistake by Mehmet Aydin. The latter tried to drain a cross to keeper Justin Heekeren, but Linton Maina stealed the ball and put on Downs that executed ice cold. Cologne now has a positive balance against Schalke, because the team has not lost against the royal blue in the last eleven league games.

For Schalke, the defeat means a setback in the fight for relegation. The team slips to 14th place, and the distance to the relegation places is now only six points. Eintracht Braunschweig, which recently won 2-0 against Karlsruher SC, has worked on the 16th place and is only a stone's throw away from Schalke.

first round and defensive work

The game was in the first 25 minutes of little chance, with Cologne the first opportunity to lead. Schalke acted uncertainly in the building game and could hardly build pressure. Meanwhile, Cologne defensively stood confidently and put on counterattack. In added time, Schalke still had the chance to equalize when Antwi-Adjei hit a flank and Kalas made a header, but that Karaman could not use. Heekeren, the goalkeeper from Schalke, also prevented another goal through Olesen by means of a strong parades.

The second half then brought several players, including 19-year-old central defender Neo Telle celebrated his professional debut for Cologne. Nevertheless, Schalke's urge was unsuccessful. Gantenbein, a Schalke player, made a wrong throw -in, which also brought in time for the Cologne team.

bad luck and outlook

Schalke had to do without important regular players, including Moussa Sylla, who was missing due to a muscle fiber tear, and Paul Seguin, who was blocked. Cologne also couldn't count on his captain Timo Hüber's, who was missing because of a yellow lock. Despite the personnel bottlenecks, the team around coach Steffen Baumgart showed a strong performance and secured decisive points in the promotion race.

For the coming weeks, some important dates in the 2024/25 season are pending. The DFB Cup quarter-final will take place on 04/05. as well as 25./26. February 2025, while the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga will play their 34th matchday on May 17th and 18th, 2025. The DFB Cup final is scheduled for May 24, 2025.

How the situation will develop in the table remains to be seen. Current information on the game days and results can be found on kicker.de . The analysis of the game between Cologne and Schalke is also dealt with in detail on the same platform as Sky Sport reported.