1. FC Köln can dream of Europe more than ever.
Coach Steffen Baumgart's team deservedly won 4-1 (2-0) at FC Augsburg after a strong performance and moved up to sixth place.
Due to the bankruptcy at home, FCA have not yet been able to secure relegation in the Bundesliga, but in the worst case they can only slip to the relegation place.
Jan Thielmann put Cologne, who had no weaknesses, in the lead in the 12th minute.
The outstanding Mark Uth increased just three minutes later.
Anthony Modeste made it 3-0 (63') with a penalty kick that he had taken himself.
With his 19th goal of the season (77th), he also ensured the final score.
Florian Niederlechner reduced the lead to 1:3 (73').
For FC it was the fourth win in a row.
Since the introduction of the three-point rule, Cologne has now improved on its previous record from the 2016/17 season (49) with 52 points.
Since the FC had also qualified for the European Cup.
FCA started offensively and immediately put FCA under pressure.
In the 6th minute, striker Michael Gregoritsch had the first big chance after a cross from the initially striking Ruben Vargas, but his header from close range was no problem for Marvin Schwäbe.
FC, who had to play without top performer Salih Özcan, who was suspended, hit back.
First Thielmann was there after a cross from the busy Benno Schmitz.
Shortly thereafter, Uth took exact measurements after a header from Thielmann.
Cologne then dominated the game and should have taken a bigger lead if Modeste (21st/26th) and Uth (23rd) had chances.
Gregoritsch and Iago still had two chances to connect Augsburg.
FCA, who had to cope with Iago's injury-related absence shortly after the change, continued to struggle in the second half.
Cologne retained control.
After a foul by Jeffrey Gouweleeuw on Modeste and the subsequent penalty, everything seemed clear.
But Augsburg got a boost after substitute Niederlechner connected, but Modeste restored the old gap with his second goal.