Ragnar Ache brace provides Cologne with thrilling comeback win over Mainz

Ragnar Ache's second-half brace from off the bench helped Cologne come from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Mainz, ending their eight-match winless run in the Bundesliga whilst handing the 05ers their first defeat under Urs Fischer.

Cologne 2-1 Mainz
Goals: 0-1 Bell 29’ (assist: Da Costa), 1-1 Ache 57’ (assist: Castro-Montes), 2-1 Ache 85’

Two teams with contrasting form met at the RheinEnergieStadion as Cologne, winless since 2 November, hosted a resurgent Mainz side unbeaten in six games under new coach Fischer. The visitors were flying high after a crucial 2-1 win over Heidenheim had lifted them out of the relegation zone, but they were missing top scorer Nadiem Amiri through illness. The hosts, who had last tasted victory on Matchday 9 against Hamburg, were looking to halt their slide down the table after dropping to 12th place – their lowest position of the season.

The opening exchanges were cautious, with both sides struggling to find rhythm and reluctant to commit men forward. Whilst Cologne controlled possession early in the proceedings, it was Mainz, who carried more threat on the counter and nearly took the lead when Kacper Potulski hit the post in the 19th minute. The visitors then made their pressure count in the 29th minute when Stefan Bell produced a stunning striker's finish, controlling a ball from Danny da Costa before smashing it in off the crossbar. The 05ers could have extended their lead before half-time, but Marvin Schwäbe denied Silas Katompa Mvumpa in a one-on-one, keeping the deficit at just one goal going into the break.

Stefan Bell (c.) celebrates after firing Mainz into the lead with a powerful strike, his first Bundesliga goal since May 2022. - IMAGO/Jan Huebner

Lukas Kwasniok responded decisively at half-time with a triple substitution, introducing Tom Krauß, Kristoffer Lund, and most crucially, Ache. The changes transformed the match, with Cologne immediately showing more attacking intent. Marius Bülter tested Daniel Batz with an early effort before the equaliser arrived in the 57th minute.

Alessio Castro-Montes delivered a perfect cross from the right, and Ache rose highest to power a header past Batz. The momentum had shifted, and Ache was at the heart of everything, narrowly missing with another effort in the 66th minute.

Cologne's pressure finally broke Mainz in the 85th minute when Ache struck again. Luca Waldschmidt's corner was flicked on by Bülter, Potulski's attempted clearance hit the post, and Ache reacted quickest to head home from close range, sending the RheinEnergieStadion into raptures.

Ragner Ache turned the game on its head following his introduction at the start of the second half. - IMAGO/Jan Huebner

About the players

9

Ragnar

Ache

1. FC Köln

Man of the Match: Ragnar Ache

Ache transformed the match after coming on at half-time, scoring both goals and spearheading Cologne's comeback. His equaliser, a powerful header from Castro-Montes' cross, changed the complexion of the game, while his winner demonstrated perfect positioning and predatory instinct.

The striker's aerial prowess was evident throughout, winning crucial headers and causing constant problems for the Mainz defence. 

Ache moved onto three Bundesliga goals for the season with his brace. - IMAGO/Gladys Chai von der Laage

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Cologne 2.28 - Mainz 1.04
Fastest player: Silas Katompa Mvumpa (Mainz), 33.89 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by Stefan Bell (Mainz), 8.32 per cent
Most pressed player: Phillip Tietz (Mainz), 30 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Paul Nebel (Mainz), +3.77

Fantasy Heroes: Ragnar Ache (Cologne, 464 Points), Stefan Bell (Mainz, 304 Points), Danny da Costa (Mainz, 301 Points)

About the clubs

1. FSV Mainz 05

MEWA ARENA

1. FC Köln

RheinEnergieSTADION