On the first Bundesliga matchday 1. FC Köln won their away game at VfB Stuttgart with a score of 3-1 (0-0). Although the hosts were the more offensive side, Anthony Modeste and Simon Zoller gave FC the vital lead. Daniel Didavi reduced from the spot before Yuya Osako sealed the match in added time.

100th FC match for Hector

In 1. FC Köln's first Bundesliga match of the 2015/16 season, Peter Stöger only made one change from the side that lined up against Meppen last week: Yannick Gerhardt replaced Yuya Osako in central midfield. For Germany international Jonas Hector it was a special match as the left back appeared in his 100th match for the club.

Woodwork in the spotlight

FC only needed 40 seconds to score last week and this time they threatened the hosts' goal very early again as Matthias Lehmann struck a powerful initial shot against the inner side of the post from 21 yards (2'). The hosts were unfazed by these events and only four minutes later offensive midfielder Daniel Didavi smacked the ball against the crossbar from a similar position. Then again in the 12th minute it was VfB captain Christian Gentner with a shot coming off the post.

Goalless at half time

The two well-organized teams played quickly in possession but Stuttgart were the superior side. In the 22nd minute, Timo Horn saved FC with a great reaction against a header from Hlousek. Cologne could only muster two half-chances through long-range shots by Gerhardt (36') and Bittencourt (36'), who failed to hit the target. As a consequence, the two sides went in deadlocked at the break.

Vogt for Gerhardt

Peter Stöger decided to change his formation by bringing on an additional defensive midfielder in the form of Kevin Vogt in place of Yannick Gerhardt. However, it was the hosts who were once again first to strike in the second half. First, Ginczek volleyed the ball over the bar although he was free from his marker (47'). Minutes later, Didavi tested Horn, who swiped the ball away with a brilliant save (51'). Then in the 63rd minute, Jonas Hector managed to clear a header from Martin Harnik in the nick of time on the goalline.

2 Goals in 2 Minutes

Stöger brought on Osako for Jojic (54') and then made another change by shifting Risse to right-back and bringing on Zoller for Olkowski (68'). Only 60 seconds later French striker Anthony Modèste received the ball in the penalty area, got past keeper Tyton and was fouled. Referee Wolfgang Stark pointed at the spot and the new arrival from Hoffenheim converted the penalty himself (75'). Minutes later, FC took advantage of a shell-shocked opponent and struck again. Substitute Vogt found fellow-substitute Zoller in the box, who made no mistake to make it 2-0 (77').

Thrilling Finish

Stuttgart then poured forward and Zoller made the mistake of taking down Kostic in the FC box. The resulting penalty was converted by Didavi and VfB piled on the pressure. There was no doubt that the hosts tried to make the most of the momentum as head coach Zorniger brought on all of his offensive players (Werner, Kliment, Maxim). However, it was FC that would get the last laugh with a final attack through a counter. After turning Hlousek and Werner, Modeste carried the ball up the field and then laid it off to Osako, who had a simple tap-in to make it 3-1 for the guests (90').

Wolfsburg at home

Following this victory, Cologne sustain their unbeaten record in Stuttgart, which stretches back to 1996. Now FC will look forward to their first home match of the season against VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday, August 22nd (15:30).

VfB Stuttgart: Tyton – D. Klein, Baumgartl, Hlousek, Insua (86' Ti. Werner) – Gentner, Rupp (76' Maxim) – Harnik (81' Kliment), Didavi, Kostic – Ginczek

1. FC Köln: Horn – Olkowski (68' Zoller), Sorensen, Heintz, Hector – M. Lehmann – Risse, Jojic (54' Osako), Gerhardt (46' Vogt), Bittencourt – Modeste

Goals: 0-1 Modeste (75', penalty, Modeste), 0-2 Zoller (77', Vogt), 1-2 Didavi (79', penalty, Kostic), 1-3 Osako (90', Modeste)

Yellow card: Baumgartl (34'), Gentner (67'), Insua (71') | Sorensen (61')

Referee: Wolfgang Stark

Attendance: 59,500