In the match opening the 24th round of the German Bundesliga, FC Augsburg secured a confident victory over 1. FC Köln with a score of 2:0. For the hosts, this was an anniversary match that allowed them to solidify their position in the middle of the table. Meanwhile, the situation for the team from Cologne is becoming dramatic – after their fourth consecutive defeat, the team is realistically staring down the specter of relegation to a lower division.

Augsburg's anniversary victory

FC Augsburg defeated Cologne 2:0 in its anniversary match, strengthening its position in the middle of the pack.

Deepening of FC Köln's crisis

Four consecutive defeats are pushing the Cologne team towards direct relegation from the league.

Spectacular backheel goal

A goal scored in a spectacular fashion became a symbol of Augsburg's dominance in the Friday clash.

Friday evening in Augsburg was marked by celebrating the club's anniversary, which was honored with a confident victory over relegation-threatened 1. FC Köln. The hosts controlled the course of the match, and the highlight was a spectacular goal scored with a backheel, which completely sapped the visitors' will to fight. This victory continues Augsburg's successful series, as the team stabilizes its form in the current Bundesliga season under its current coaching staff. The 2:0 win allows the Bavarian team to look optimistically towards the top half of the table, although the media continue to speculate about the future of the coaching setup. Completely different moods prevail in Cologne. This defeat is already the fourth match in a row without points, causing growing frustration among both fans and the club's management. The coach and players declare a desire to "break the curse" in upcoming matches, but their performance against Augsburg did not inspire optimism. The team currently has major problems with effectiveness and defensive stability. The situation in the table is becoming critical, and the specter of direct relegation or playing in play-offs is becoming increasingly real. German media warn that an "abyss is opening up" beneath the club, suggesting the need for radical corrective steps. FC Augsburg, founded in 1907, spent most of its history outside the top division, to which it permanently returned only in 2011, since becoming a solid fixture in the German elite.The remaining matches of the 24th round scheduled for the weekend are rich in clashes between teams fighting for survival in the lower regions of the table. Particular attention is drawn to the "basement duel" between Werder Bremen and Heidenheim, as well as Union Berlin's difficult away trip to Mönchengladbach. Union, struggling with squad issues, will have to cope without key players, putting them in a difficult situation ahead of the clash with Borussia. Mainz also hopes for an upset against favored Bayer Leverkusen, trying to use every opportunity to escape the relegation zone. „Wir wollen den Fluch brechen und endlich wieder punkten.” (We want to break the curse and finally get points again.) — Gerhard Struber

Mentioned People

  • Gerhard Struber — 1. FC Köln coach speaking about the need to break the team's bad run.