A 24th-round match in the German second division saw Karlsruher SC secure a hard-fought 1-0 win over 1. FC Köln. The decisive goal came in the 52nd minute, courtesy of an unfortunate own goal by Köln’s Timo Hübers.
Both teams showed an engaged performance in the first half, with neither side able to capitalize on their chances. Köln had the better of the early exchanges, but failed to convert its opportunities. The best chance fell to Damion Downs in the 13th minute, only for Karlsruhe’s Max Weiß to make a strong save. Karlsruhe, meanwhile, remained defensively compact and waited for counter-attacking opportunities, but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
After the break, the home team enjoyed a better start, albeit with a touch of luck. Christoph Kobald made a strong run on the right flank and delivered a sharp cross into the box. Jusuf Gazibegović attempted to clear the ball, only for it to rebound unfortuitously off Hübers and into the net.
Köln then pushed hard for the equalizer and gained control of the game. The visitors had several shots, but the Karlsruhe defense held firm, with Max Weiß in top form, as he averted a threatening Eric Martel shot in the 74th minute. The KSC shifted to a more defensive approach in the dying minutes, ultimately bringing its narrow lead over the time.
Verdict: A fortunate, yet not undeserved, win for Karlsruhe, which held off Köln’s storming attacks with a solid defensive display. Köln, meanwhile, will be frustrated at failing to capitalize on its chances and leaving the stadium with no points, despite a more dominant performance.
The win sees Karlsruhe keep pace with the top teams, now just six points behind the league leader, Hamburger SV and in ninth place. Köln, meanwhile, missed the chance to take a temporary lead and is now three points behind the HSV, in third place. Hamburg still has a match to play on this round.