1. FC Köln won their match against local rivals Bayer 04 Leverkusen with a score of 2-1 (1-1) thanks to a double from central defender Dominic Maroh. Leverkusen went down to 10 men in the second half following a red card to Kyriakos Papadopoulos.

Simon Zoller, Pawel Olkowski and Yannick Gerhardt were still out of play. As a result, Peter Stöger trusted in nearly the same eleven as the previous week. But for the first time he opted for a change in his central defence as Dominic Maroh replaced Frederik Sorensen. Plus, Leo Bittencourt was back on his left wing position in place of Kazuki Nagasawa.

Chances for Modeste and Chicharito

Cologne started with a lot of offensive power as they played quick counters leading to an initial great chance for Modeste, who could not get past Bernd Leno from 12 yards (4'). The hosts needed some time to free themselves from this pressure but 12 minutes into the match, attacker Hernandez Chicharito tested Timo Horn with a curler, but the FC keeper tipped the ball away.

Maroh scores

The match was balanced after the opening stages and FC were awarded a set piece form the left. Right-back Marcel Risse delivered it well into the box where defender Papadopoulos flicked it on to the far post. Dominic Maroh reacted quickly and netted with his foot from close range (17').

Chicharito evens the score

In the following, both teams were too sloppy in possession to create many promising opportunities. Holding midfielder Kevin Kampl forced Horn to make a brilliant save (23'). 10 minutes later, the Slovenia international moved forward in the Cologne half and played a well-timed pass into the path of Admir Mehmedi, who served it well for Chicharito – the striker equalised with a close-range header (33'). This was the last remarkable scene of the first 45 minutes, and the two sides went in tied at the break.

Bayer outnumbered

The second half started with a new player for Bayer (Brandt for Bellarabi) and a highlight for 1. FC Köln when Modeste just missed the left post with a back-heel (48'). The central forward was also at the center of attention in the next scene. Modeste received the ball in a counter, outpaced his marker and was fouled by Papadopoulos. As the Greek was the last defender, referee Zwayer sent him off (53').

Maroh adds a second

FC were the dominant side after the sending-off. They were awarded several set pieces. In minute 17 Maroh came close to scoring, this time with a header (71'). A minutes later the center-back closed the deal, beating Leno with a header following a corner from Risse (72').

FC hold on

Leverkusen coach Schmidt brought on an additional striker to turn things around in the remainder. However, the hosts could not produce more than a Boenisch header over the bar (82'). 2 minutes later substitute Milos Jojis, who had come on for Bittencourt, missed the top left corner with his left foot. Then Leno denied Osako (85'). In the end it was enough for FC to get the 3 points against their local rivals.

Carnival clash up next

After this convincing victory, 1. FC Köln look forward to their next challenge. In two weeks time, Stöger's team will host 1.FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday, November 21st (3:30 pm).

Bayer 04 Leverkusen: Leno – Wendell (78' Kießling), Tah, Papadopoulos, Boenisch – Toprak, Kampl – Bellarabi (46' Brandt), Calhanoglou, Mehmedi (56' Ramalho) – Chicharito

1. FC Köln: Horn – Risse, Maroh, Heintz, Hector – M. Lehmann, K. Vogt – Osako (90' Sorensen), Bittencourt (82' Jojic) – Hosiner (71' Svento), Modeste

Goals: 0-1 Maroh (17', -), 1-1 Chicharito (33', Mehmedi), 1-2 Maroh (72', Risse)

Yellow cards: Ramalho (86') | Bittencourt (40'), Heintz (65')

Red card: Papadopoulos (53')

Referee: Felix Zwayer

Attendance: 30,210 (sold out)