1.FC Köln won 3-1 away against FC Schalke 04 in an open and exciting game in front of around 62,000 spectators at the Gelsenkirchen Arena. The match started with intensity, with both teams looking to attack. Schalke had an early counter-chance through Tobias Mohr, but he was denied by Köln goalkeeper Jonas Urbig. Schalke made mistakes in their build-up play, giving the visitors their first opportunities. Damion Downs, however, missed a big chance for an early Köln lead.
The game remained exciting, with both teams having further opportunities, but Köln proved to be more clinical. After a water break, Schalke’s defense was unorganized, and Downs scored in the 25th minute to give Köln a 1-0 lead. Despite Schalke’s efforts, Köln had the better chances and narrowly missed a 2-0 lead through Linton Maina.
Just before halftime, Maina made it 2-0 after a counterattack in the 45th minute. Immediately after the break, Köln scored their third goal, with Tim Lemperle tapping in from close range after a low cross from Leart Paqarada to make it 3-0 in the 46th minute.
Schalke tried to get back into the game and gained some hope after Amin Younes was fouled in the penalty area. Kenan Karaman converted the resulting penalty to make it 3-1 in the 66th minute. Though Schalke pushed for a comeback and even had a goal disallowed for offside, they failed to create any real scoring chances.
Köln defended solidly, and Schalke, despite a nine-minute injury time, couldn’t create further opportunities. In the end, Köln deservedly won, while Schalke disappointed. In their next matches, Schalke faces Karlsruher SC, while Köln will take on Magdeburg in a top fixture
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