1. FC Köln will progress to the next round of the DFB-Pokal following an exciting 2-1 (1-1) win over TSG Hoffenheim on Wednesday evening. Marcel Risse (36') and Anthony Modeste (91') decided the match against a strong visitor whose defender Benjamin Hübner had given them the early lead (8').

Peter Stöger made many changes to his first eleven. Pawel Olkowski, Artjoms Rudnevs and Simon Zoller rotated in for Dominique Heintz, Marco Höger and Yuya Osako. Thus, the Pole had his first starting berth of the season. These changes also meant that Jonas Hector teamed up with skipper Matthias Lehmann in central midfield and that Kocka Rausch defended on the left.

Flying start for TSG

The match started with a more active visiting side. They were more precise with their passing and won more challenges in the opening minutes. When the FC defense could not get rid of the ball, Süle crossed it in from the right and found his partner Hübner, who netted easily with a header from close range (8').

Risse's rocket

At the 30-minute mark FC performed much more passionately and cleverly. The first shot on goal for FC came when Modeste struck it on the turn, but Baumann was there to make the save (31'). 5 minutes later FC won a free kick in midfield. Risse fired an unstoppable rocket of a shot, which ended in the top right corner (36'). From this point on 1. FC Köln were on fire and tried to turn the match before break, but Modeste's header went just wide off the far post (42') and it was all level at the break.

Balanced second half

The match was balanced at the beginning of the second period, but in minute 56 Modeste threatened the TSG goal again when his shot from 20 yards went just over the bar. FC had the better chances now and Olkowski's shot was blocked in the nick of time (60'). Then captain Lehmann had to leave the pitch in place of youngster Salih Ozcan (62'). Risse had a great chance when he found himself up one on one with Baumann, but the keeper palmed the ball away magnificently (76'). As a consequence, neither side could decide the match in regulation.

Courageous Olkowski

The extra time started perfectly for FC. Olkowski made a decisive run, turning several defenders in the Hoffenheim box and putting the ball into a dangerous area. Baumann could not stop it and Modeste willed it over the line with his chest (91'). 98 minutes into the match, Maroh made his comeback when he was substituted in for Zoller. Then Heintz came on for Rudnevs in the 105th minute to further strengthen the FC defense. At this stage Hoffenheim attacked wildly with long balls into the box, which resulted in more space for counterattacks for FC. However, neither side scored a goal in the remainder as FC held on to the tight win and move on to the next round of the DFB-Pokal.

Hamburg next

1. FC Köln will now prepare to host Hamburger SV at the RheinEnergieSTADION on Sunday, October 30th, at 17:30.

Match Details

1. FC Köln: T. Horn – Olkowski, Sorensen, Mavraj, Rausch – M. Lehmann (62' Özcan), J. Hector – Risse, Zoller (98' Maroh) – Rudnevs (105' Heintz), Modeste

TSG Hoffenheim: Baumann – Süle, K. Vogt, Hübner (104' Szalai) – Amiri (85' Vargas), Rudy, Zuber – Demirbay, Rupp (65' Toljan) – Wagner, Kramaric

Goals: 0-1 Hübner (8', Süle), 1-1 Risse (36', M. Lehmann), 2-1 Modeste (91', Olkowski)

Yellow cards: Sorensen (90'), Modeste (96') | Demirbay (33'), Szalai (112')

Referee: Marco Fritz

Attendance: 42,900