Leaders Cologne stumble in Magdeburg

Leaders 1. FC Köln have stumbled after three consecutive wins in the 2nd Bundesliga. The Rhinelanders lost 3-0 (0-0) at home to 1. FC Magdeburg. Daniel Heber (73rd minute) headed the home team into the lead in front of 27,055 spectators in the sold-out Avnet Arena. Mohammed El Hankouri (79') increased the lead and Samuel Loric (90'+2) ensured the final score.

The FCM moved to within two points of Cologne and are third on points behind Hamburger SV. Magdeburg ended their home drought, having gone 15 games without a win in front of their own fans this season. Their last home win came on February 24, 2024.

Cologne, under coach Gerhard Struber, got off to a good start, dominated and were in control of the game, especially in midfield. A goal by Magdeburg's Alexander Ahl-Holmström (18th) was disallowed for offside.

Match interrupted

After the changeover, the match had to be briefly interrupted in the 50th minute after pyrotechnics were set off by the FCM camp due to poor visibility. Magdeburg then made the most of their chances in the closing stages: Heber headed home a free-kick from Baris Atik. El Hankouri dusted off the ball and Loric made the final decision.