For the first time since 2008, 1. FC Köln have won 1-0 (0-0) in the classic Rhine derby against rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach. Striker Anthony Modeste converted a well-timed Bittencourt delivery in front of 47,800 fans at the RheinEnergieStadion.

Peter Stöger made only one change to his starting line-up as Yuya Osako took the place of Simon Zoller in attack.

Tentative start

The match began and FC were the first side to create a scoring opportunity. Anthony Modeste won the ball in midfield and served it well to Marcel Risse on the right. The winger entered the box at full speed and unfortunately put the shot off target (5'). However, the opening stages were shaped by the possession football of the visitors.

0-0 at halftime

The match was balanced and quite eventless during the greater part of the first 45 minutes. But still the hosts had the better chances. In one sequence, Osako received a long ball in the penalty area. The Japanese striker outpaced his marker and took the shot from acute angle, only to be denied by the quick reflexes of Gladbach keeper Sommer (34'). This was last remarkable scene of a goalless half.

Jojic for Vogt

For the second half Peter Stöger opted for a change in personnel. Hence, Milos Jojic entered the match in place of Kevin Vogt.

Modeste's towering header

The start of the second half saw more room in midfield . Although FC won numerous set pieces, they could not make meaningful use of them. The breakthrough came when FC began mounting the pressure on the visitors. 64 minutes into the match, Leonardo Bittencourt picked up the ball on the wing and swung a dangerous curler into the box. Who was in the box to meet it with his head? None other than Anthony Modeste, who sent the ball into the far corner to get his fourth league goal of the season and the go-ahead for FC in this derby.

Third win of the season

In the remainder, Stöger strengthened his central position again and brought on midfielder Yannick Gerhardt for Bittencourt (77'). As a consequence, Osako switched to the left. Both sides pushed forwards, with FC looking for their second of the day while Gladbach looked to equalize. In the 88th minute substitute Simon Zoller came on for Osako to bring in some fresh legs. After two minutes of stoppage time, the referee blew the whistle to extend the FC home unbeaten streak and secure the third win of the running season.

In Berlin on Tuesday

As a result of this home victory, 1. FC Köln extended their home run with their thirteenth consecutive unbeaten match. The next challenge for Stöger's team will be in only three days time, facing Hertha BSC, known as "the old lady" on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015 (20:00).

1. FC Köln: Horn – Olkowski, Sorensen, Heintz, Hector – M. Lehmann, Vogt (46' Jojic) – Risse, Osako (88' Zoller), Bittencourt (77' Gerhardt) – Modeste

Borussia Mönchengladbach: Sommer – Jantschke, Brouwers, Christensen, Wendt – Dahoud (76' Hrgota), Xhaka – Traoré (71' N. Schulz), T. Hazard (71' Hahn) – Raffael, Drmic

Goal: 1-0 Modeste (64', Bittencourt)

Yellow cards: - | Xhaka (23'), T. Hazard (70'), Wendt (78')

Referee: Felix Brych

Attendance: 47,800