2. Bundesliga

Late derby drama as Fortuna Düsseldorf snatch draw against Colgone

23.02.2025

Cologne looked to be on course to reclaim the Bundesliga 2 lead until a last-minute penalty claimed a draw for Fortuna Düsseldorf that keeps them within three points of their local rivals in the promotion-chasing pack.

Cologne 1-1 Fortuna Düsseldorf
Goals: 1-0 Kainz 67’, 1-1 Jóhannesson 90' (pen.)

Both teams entered the derby with recent history suggesting a close encounter, having drawn their previous meeting.

Neither side was able to claim three points in a fiercely contested Rhine Derby. - IMAGO/Kirchner-Media/Thomas Haesler

First-half stalemate

The match began with both teams showing their determination to decide the derby in their favour. Jusuf Gazibegović had the first meaningful attempt for Cologne, firing wide from distance in the 5th minute. As the half progressed, the hosts began to assert their dominance, with Linton Maina forcing a save from Düsseldorf's Florian Kastenmeier in the 19th minute. Despite the Billy Goats' pressure, including several corners and a close-range headed effort from Gazibegović, the teams went into the break level at 0-0.

Cologne had 16 shots to Düsseldorf's eight. - IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Leah Kohring

Cologne break the deadlock

Cologne continued their push for a breakthrough in the second half, and their efforts were finally rewarded in the 67th minute when Florian Kainz found the net. Maina's blistering run down the left flank created the opportunity, with Kainz coolly slotting home from close range. The goal sent the home fans into raptures and seemed to put Cologne in control of the derby.

Florian Kainz scored his second goal of the season. - Lars Baron

Late drama

As the match entered its final stages, Düsseldorf began to push for an equaliser. Their efforts nearly paid off in the 84th minute when Vincent Vermeij, who had come on as a substitute, hit the crossbar with a header. The drama intensified in the 87th minute when Joël Schmied was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area, giving Düsseldorf a lifeline. Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick, levelling the scores in the 90th minute.

Honours even at the final whistle

Despite seven minutes of added time and a frantic finish, neither side could find a winner. The final whistle blew with the scores level at 1-1, a result that neither side can complain about despite Cologne enjoying dominance in possession and chances created.

Player of the Match: Florian Kainz

Kainz emerged as the standout performer in this fiercely contested derby. The Austrian midfielder not only scored the opening goal but was also a constant threat throughout the match. His strike in the 67th minute was a testament to his positioning and finishing ability, coolly slotting home Maina's cutback. Beyond his goal, Kainz's overall play was instrumental for the hosts, with his impressive pass efficiency stats underlining his importance to Cologne's attacking play.

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Cologne 1.07 - Düsseldorf 1.4
Fastest player: Linton Maina (Cologne), 33.16 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 1-0 by Florian Kainz (Cologne), 10.91 percent
Most pressed player: Linton Maina (Cologne), 20 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Florian Kainz (Cologne), 4.58