FC Köln were held to a 1-1 draw by Werder Bremen in a sold-out RheinEnergieSTADION on Saturday evening. Linton Maina gave the Billy Goats an early lead but Niclas Füllkrug's second-half header earned the visitors a point.
The match started dramatically. Referee Tobias Welz awarded Köln a penalty in the 8th minute for a handball by Werder's Youri Regeer. Thijs Dallinga stepped up but Bremen goalkeeper Karl Hein produced a superb save. Just three minutes later, Köln did take the lead. Tom Krauß intercepted a pass, found Ellyes Skhiri, who slid in Linton Maina to slot home from close range. It was Köln's first halftime lead of the season.
Bremen pressure, Köln resist
Werder Bremen, who enjoyed 58 percent possession, looked dangerous primarily through crosses to target man Niclas Füllkrug. Eren Dinkci hit the crossbar in the 58th minute. Köln keeper Marvin Schwäbe was called into action to deny Oliver Deman. At the other end, Karl Hein saved efforts from Tom Krauß and debutant starter Mikey Moore. Manager René Wagner made no changes at the break.
Füllkrug strikes from a set-piece
FC Köln grew more passive in the second half and created few counter-attacks. Sustained Bremen pressure finally told. From a corner kick, Niclas Füllkrug powered in a header for the equaliser in the 70th minute. Köln introduced Said El Mala, recently ill, in the 74th minute but no further clear chances materialised.
For FC Köln, it's a first dropped points after three consecutive wins. Their form across the last five matches reads three wins, one draw and one defeat (DLWWW). The Billy Goats' next fixture is away at northern rivals Hamburger SV next Saturday. The current injury list featuring Timo Hübers and the full schedule can be found on our fixtures page.
