After a dominant performance, 1. FC Köln won with a score of 6-1 (3-0) in their away game against SV Darmstadt 98. The match was decided already in the first half, in which Osako (37') and Modeste (42') scored after an own goal by Sulu (32'). After Sam's consolation penalty goal (66') for the hosts, Osako added his second (72') and substitutes Jojic (85') and Rudnevs (89') rounded off the victory.

Leonardo Bittencourt took the place of Dominic Maroh, with FC lining up in a classic 4-4-2. Yuya Osako paired up with Anthony Modeste up front.

Chances for Clemens

The home fans saw a committed 98 team in the initial stages. The home side pushed forward but could not produce a chance on goal It was 1. FC Köln who had the initial chance, but Darmstadt keeper Esser reacted well against Clemens (13'). The new arrival also struck a promising free kick goalwards and missed the top left corner by inches (22').

FC go ahead

In minute 25 Gondorf popped up free from his marker in the box, but bent his shot wide off the right post. FC remained target oriented in attack as Modeste won another free kick at the edge of the box. Rausch's attempt was blocked, but Olkowski picked the ball up on the right flank and crossed it in. Osako and defender Sulu tried to reach the ball and the Darmstadt captain deflected the ball unluckily into the back of his own net (32').

Osako and Modeste

1. FC Köln made the most of the momentum and scored again twice before the break. Bittencourt served the ball beautifully to Osako, who scored with his head from 8 yards (36'). Then – again from the left – left-back Rausch swung a ball in to find Modeste. The ball was deflected by Bittencourt and landed by Modeste, who volleyed it home from close range (42'). Thus, Cologne had a comfortable lead at half time against a Darmstadt side that appeared to be all over the place.

Rausch injured

The second half did not only start with a fresh pair of legs for the hosts (Fedetskyy for Rosenthal), but also with a great FC combination. Höger put the ball in to Clemens, who finally volleyed the ball over the bar from inside the box (48'). 2 minutes later the match was over for Modeste, who was replaced by Artjoms Rudnevs. Unfortunately, Stöger was forced to make another change as Rausch picked up an injury after a Sirigu foul and was replaced by center back Dominic Maroh (56'). As a result, Heintz defended on the left.

Osako's reply to Sam's reducer

Sidney Sam put the first shot on target for the home side and tested Kessler from 26 yards, but the keeper palmed it away (61'). Some moments later Höger challenged Heller in the penalty area. The 98 winger fell and referee Kampa pointed at the spot, from which Sam reduced clinically (66'). Just when many of the home fans had hoped for a thrilling comeback, Osako disappointed them instantly as he finished a strong run with his right foot from the edge of the box (72').

Substitutes score

In the remainder, midfielder Milos Jojic received a chance as he was substituted in for Bittencourt. The creative Serb picked up a Rudnevs delivery in the box, which he finished into the bottom right corner (85'). Osako was bossing the match now and played a perfect through ball into the path of Rudnevs, which the Latvian striker used to score the last goal of the night (89').

First home match in 2017

Following this highest away victory in the first division since 1965/66, 1. FC Köln will aspire to continue the strong run (5 matches unbeaten) against VfL Wolfsburg on Saturday, 4 February 2017 (15:30).

Match Details

SV Darmstadt 98: Esser – Sirigu, Milosevic (69' Colak), Sulu, Holland – Gondorf, Niemeyer – Heller, Rosenthal (46' Fedetskyy), Sam – Boyd (74' Vrancic)

1. FC Köln: Kessler – Olkowski, Sorensen, Heintz, Rausch (65' Maroh) – Höger, J. Hector – Clemens, Bittencourt (74' Jojic) – Modeste, Osako (50' Rudnevs)

Goals: 0-1 Sulu (32', own goal, Olkowski), 0-2 Osako (36', Bittencourt), 0-3 Modeste (42', Bittencourt), 1-3 Sam (66', penalty, Heller), 1-4 Osako (72'), 1-5 Jojic (85', Rudnevs), 16 Rudnevs (89', Osako)

Yellow cards: Milosevic (31'), Boyd (55') | Modeste (29'), Clemens (41'), Rudnevs (65'), Höger (66')

Referee: Dr. Kampka

Attendance: 16,500