The big party had already been thrown, but despite taking the lead through youngster Max Finkgräfe, 1. FC Köln only managed a draw against TSG Hoffenheim.
Despite the setback in injury time, the Cologne fans in costume celebrated their team and warmed up for Carnival Monday by singing. But the players were left feeling disappointed.
The 1. FC Köln, threatened with relegation, would have loved to have given its supporters a carefree Carnival climax with its second win in a row.
At the end of the 21st matchday of the Bundesliga, the Rhinelanders drew 1-1 (0-0) at crisis-hit TSG Hoffenheim after a strong performance. Max Finkgräfe made the Cologne fans celebrate with his free-kick in the 79th minute until deep into injury time, but then Hoffenheim’s substitute Andrej Kramaric struck (90.+4).
“When you get a goal like that in the 94th minute, it’s incredibly bitter,” said Benno Schmitz on DAZN. ‘We were very close again today. It continues. We have to find the basis at the back.’ Finkgräfe was pleased with his goal, but still ‘it feels more like a defeat,’ said the youngster.
The FC, which will be represented by its own float in the parade on Monday, is four points clear of the direct relegation places after the draw. However, the cushion does not seem to be big enough to be able to party on Carnival Monday. “Some of the players will be on the float. The others will be recovering at home, that’s the best we can do at the moment,” said Finkgräfe.
The Hoffenheimers are also not in the mood to celebrate at the moment. TSG has now been waiting for a win in seven league games. Despite the negative streak, coach Pellegrino Matarazzo left the Croatian Kramaric on the bench for the time being. “The line-up cost me half the night,” said the coach: “I wanted to get the best mix on the pitch. It wasn’t an easy decision.”
The 23,020 spectators in the Sinsheim Arena, almost a third of whom were FC supporters, saw a hard-fought opening phase. Cologne impressed with their great willpower against the better hosts. Nevertheless, TSG winger Ihlas Bebou created the first danger in front of the Cologne goal in the 14th minute.
Not much happened after that. The visitors, who were without Timo Hübers, Davie Selke, Mark Uth and Luca Waldschmidt, were largely stable in defense. Only Hoffenheim striker Wout Weghorst tested Cologne goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe (26). Shortly before half-time, the Dutchman had the best chance of the first half (43).
Nothing changed at the start of the second half. Hoffenheim, who were missing the suspended John Anthony Brooks, Mergim Berisha and Marco John, had more of the ball – Cologne defended cleverly.
In the 68th minute, Matarazzo brought on three new players, including Kramaric. Even after that, Cologne defended with great commitment. The occasional attacks on the offensive side also ensured that Hoffenheim had to remain vigilant in defense. Finkgräfe’s free-kick was not successful. However, Kramaric secured a point for Hoffenheim deep into injury time.