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Jan Thielmann celebrates the 2-0

Photo: Leon Kuegeler / Getty Images

After two draws and one defeat, 1. FC Köln achieved their first victory in the Bundesliga under new coach Timo Schultz. On matchday 20, Cologne beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 (0-0). Faride Alidou and Jan Thielmann (68th minute/80th) scored for FC, Frankfurt's Niels Nkounkou and Tuta had to leave the field early (66th/83rd).

Despite their first win since December 1st, the Billy Goats remain in relegation place 17, two points behind Union Berlin, which plays in Leipzig on Sunday (5.30 p.m.). Frankfurt is still sixth and misses the Europa League spot.

The worst offensive in the league with twelve goals got off to a promising start: Cologne was the more dynamic team, scored several times in the opening minutes and failed at the fingertips of Eintracht goalkeeper Kevin Trapp (14th). In front of constantly singing fans in the Rhein-Energie Stadium, the relegation-threatened Cologne team dominated the game; the Frankfurt team needed a corner kick to make themselves noticeable in the opponent's penalty area for the first time through Robin Koch (28th).

Shortly before the break, the game picked up speed again: Dejan Ljubicic failed to put the ball on goal from 18 meters (39'), FC keeper Marvin Schwäbe parried the shot of his former teammate Ellyes Skhiri (40'). After an intense but goalless 45 minutes, the break went on time.

One interruption, two dismissals

The kick-off of the second half was delayed because the chocolate coins that fans had thrown onto the field in protest against the German Football League's investor deal had to be removed. When the ball rolled, it was Frankfurt who posed more of a goal threat. Substitute Farès Chaïbi appeared alone in front of Schwäbe and pushed in, but the linesman raised the flag (58th).

Within a few moments, the game turned in Cologne's favor: Nkounkou pulled Alidou, who Eintracht had loaned out to Cologne, to the ground and was shown a yellow-red card (66th). The subsequent free kick sailed through the box, was pushed towards the goal by Ljubicic and pushed over the line by Alidou from close range (68th). The home team made the decision with a counterattack, which Thielmann completed (80th).

Frankfurt only had nine players in the final phase, as Tuta also had to leave the field with a yellow-red card after an elbow (83'). The FC fans then got in the mood for the upcoming carnival with “Kölle Alaaf” chants.

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