In a balanced Bundesliga meeting 1. FC Köln earned a deserved point with a score of 1-1 (1-1) against FC Schalke 04. Alessandro Schöpf had taken the early lead for Schalke (2’), before Anthony Modeste equalized (43’).

Peter Stöger made several changes to the side that faced SC Freiburg on Matchday 20. First of all, Leo Bittencourt had to be replaced due to his upper leg injury. As a consequence, Milos Jojic started in attacking midfield, while Pawel Olkowski began on the right wing instead of Dominic Maroh.

Flying start for Schalke

The guests had the perfect start to the match. Daniel Caligiuri progressed on the left flank and swung a threatening ball into the FC box, where winger Alessandro Schöpf netted with his right foot (2’). This goal also demonstrated Schalke’s match plan with quick attacks over the wings. The first chance for the hosts resulted from a Rausch corner, which Sorensen headed wide (15’). FC struggled to combine through the well-organized Schalke defense. With their noses in front Schalke were less active, but had the better opportunity as Goretzka hit the post from 14 yards (33’).

Modeste evens the score

FC enjoyed more possession, but were too sloppy in their build-up play. Jojic had an opportunity when he fired a rocket goalwards, but Fährmann made the brilliant save (42’). Some seconds later Osako found Modeste in a counter situation. The French striker equalized from the edge of the box into the bottom right corner with his 17th goal of the season (43’). In the following minutes, Modeste and Jojic came close to scoring but could not turn the match before referee Stieler’s half-time whistle.

Intense match

It was an intense battle between two passionately fighting teams in the second half. Still, chances were rare. In minute 59 Sead Kolasinac, Schalke’s Bosnian defender, headed over the bar from a promising position. FC needed more time until Osako had the first remarkable opportunity for the hosts. However, the effort from the Japanese missed the right post by inches (70’).

Chances for Schalke

The match was open and both coaches tried to freshen things up. Weinzierl opted for Max Meyer (67’), while Peter Stöger brought on Simon Zoller (74’). Suddenly Schalke’s central forward Guido Burgstaller popped up free from his marker in the Cologne area. The Austrian bent his shot past Kessler, but also past the far post (77’). At this stage Schalke were superior, but could not make the most of it. Substitute Choupo-Moting could not convert a volley in the box (80’) and Meyer was denied by Kessler (81’). In added time Dominique Heintz had a great chance after a set piece by Kocka Rausch, but the FC defender was judged to be offside. It was the last scene as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

Without Sorensen to Leipzig

After extending their impressive home run to 12 straight unbeaten Bundesliga home matches, 1. FC Köln will travel to Saxony to play RB Leipzig on Saturday, February 25 2017 (15:30). Frederik Sorensen will miss this match as a result of the fifth yellow card he picked up against Schalke.

Match Details

1. FC Köln: Kessler – Sorensen, Subotic, Heintz – Olkowski, Höger, J. Hector, Rausch – Jojic (74’ Zoller) – Osako, Modeste

FC Schalke 04: Fährmann – Höwedes, Naldo, Badstuber – Schöpf, Goretzka, Stambouli, Bentaleb (90’ Kehrer), Kolasinac – Burgstaller (78’ Choupo-Moting), D. Caligiuri (67’ M. Meyer)

Goals: 0-1 Schöpf (2’, D. Caligiuri), 1-1 Modeste (43’, Osako)

Yellow cards: Subotic (21’), Sorensen (72’) | Stambouli (51’), Naldo (59’), Schöpf (81')

Referee: Tobias Stieler

Attendance: 50,000 (sold out)