1. FC Köln had a successful start winning their first round match of Germany's DFB-Pokal in front of 13,815 spectators at the sold-out Hänsch-Arena of Meppen. In a well-deserved 4-0 (2-0) Anthony Modeste (1', 27' & 78') scored three times before sub Simon Zoller added a fourth goal (87') for Peter Stöger's team.

In their first official match of the 2015/16 season Peter Stöger opted for five new players. Danish talent Frederik Sorensen and Germany's under 21 international Dominique Heintz teamed up in central defence. Moreover, Leonardo Bittencourt and Milos Jojic started in midfield to support striker Anthony Modèste. This match was a special one for central midfielder Matthias Lehmann. For the first time he led his team as the club's official captain in his 100th appearance for the club.

Modeste takes early lead

1.FC Köln had a perfect start into this cup match. Dominique Heintz knocked a well-timed long ball into the path of Anthony Modeste. The French striker received it in the penalty area and finished with his left foot into the bottom right corner (1'). In the next 10 minutes Meppen began to string together some attacking plays, but it was nothing FC could not withstand.

Penalty for FC – red card for Meppen

FC were determined to double their lead at this stage and right back Pawel Olkowski entered the box, where the Poland international was fouled by Benjamin Gommert. As a consequence, referee Christian Dietz pointed at the spot and the Meppen goalkeeper was sent off. This was a disputed decision and as Meppen manager Neidhardt protested too much he had to leave the coaching zone as well. At the penalty spot, Modeste kept his cool and converted the penalty clinically into the bottom right corner against substitute goalkeeper Lars Huxsohl (27'). FC tried to extend their lead against the outnumbered opposition but keeper Huxsohl denied Bittencourt with a great reaction (28'). In the following, FC attacked regularly, won several corners but could not score a third goal before half time.

Vogt replaces Olkowski at half time

1. FC Köln changed their formation to begin the second half. The cautioned Olkowski was replaced by Kevin Vogt. The defensive midfielder teamed up with Matthias Lehmann and Marcel Risse switched to the right back position. FC Remained offensively strong. After Bittencourt won the ball in midfield, Vogt passed it well to Osako, who found Jojic in space with great vision. Unfortunately, the Serb missed the far post by inches (58'). This was the former Dortmund player's last scene, giving way to Simon Zoller. Around the 70th minute mark Stöger made his last change, swapping Gerhardt on for Lehmann. Jonas Hector then took control of the captain's armband.

Modeste adds a third

In the remainder SV Meppen risked more, which resulted in more space for FC. Risse was a permanent threat on the right wing and initiated several promising attacks. In one instance, he combined well with Osako in the 78th minute. The Japanese offensive midfielder took it down the right and served it perfectly to Modeste in the box, who netted easily from just next to the penalty spot. In the closing minutes Gerhardt showed his outstanding technique and power, turning several defenders before playing the perfect pass to Zoller. The FC No.11 just had to tap it in to give FC their fourth goal on the day (87').

Bundesliga start in Stuttgart

After this successful start 1. FC Köln look forward to their Bundesliga challenge when they will journey to VfB Stuttgart for their first league match of the 2015/16 season at the Mercedes Benz-Arena on Saturday, Augus 15th, 2015 (15:30).

SV Meppen: Gommert – Jesgarzewski, Geiger, Wigger, Schepers – M. Wagner, Strompen – Schnier (56' Maier), Kremer (67' Ahillen) – Born (26' Huxsohl), Mu. Alawie

1. FC Köln: Horn – Olkowski (46' K. Vogt), Sörensen, Heintz, Hector – M. Lehmann (69' Gerhardt) – Risse, Jojic (58' Zoller), Osako, Bittencourt – Modèste

Goals: 0-1 Modèste (1', Heintz), 0-2 Modèste (27', penalty, Olkowski), 0-3 Modèste (78', Osako), 0-4 Zoller (87', Gerhardt)

Yellow card: Olkowski (8')

Red card: Gommert (24')

Referee: Christian Dietz

Attendance: 13,815 (sold out)