Viktoria Köln celebrated a victory over 1. FC Saarbrücken in the 3. Liga. The visitors’ crazy streak thus continues.

Viktoria Köln defeated 1. FC Saarbrücken 2–0 (2–0) at home to kick off Matchday 21 of the 3. Liga. It was a strong response to their surprising loss to bottom-of-the-table 1. FC Schweinfurt the previous week. The situation is quite different for the Saarland side: They’ve been waiting an unbelievable 14 league games for a win.

Marian Wilhelm’s team got off to a perfect start and capped off their strong opening with an early 1–0 lead (5th minute). After a well-executed attack down the left flank, Meiko Sponsel found himself completely unmarked in the penalty area and slotted home his first 3. Liga goal.

Cologne kept up the pressure. After a free kick by Leonhard Münst, the ball found its way to Tim Kloss, who was denied by the goalkeeper. Verthomy Boboy pounced to make it 2–0—a well-deserved lead, even by that margin.

Saarbrücken responded with a double substitution after half an hour. Sebastian Vasiliadis and Elijah Krahn came on for Kasim Rabihic and Manuel Zeitz (32′). Unlike with Kai Brünker, whom Patrick Schmidt had to replace ten minutes later, these substitutions were apparently not due to injuries.

The visitors showed a marked improvement after halftime and were more aggressive, but failed to capitalize on their chances. Tim Civeja had the best chance to make it 1–2, but after a pass from Florian Pick, he was denied by Simon Handle, who cleared the ball off the line (63′). Further opportunities followed—without success: Rodney Elongo-Yombo even hit the post (85′). The score remained 2–0.

With this victory, Viktoria Köln solidifies its position in the middle of the table. Next week (January 31, 2:00 p.m.), they’ll play a home game against SV Waldhof Mannheim. 1. FC Saarbrücken, on the other hand, is firmly embroiled in the relegation battle and will face VfL Osnabrück at the same time.