András Schäfer strikes late as Union Berlin claim victory against 10-man Cologne

Union Berlin won back-to-back Bundesliga games for the first time this season as András Schäfer's stoppage-time strike condemed 10-man Cologne to consecutive defeats.

Cologne 0-1 Union Berlin
Goals: 0-1 Schäfer 90’+1
Red card: Van den Berg 83’

The stage was set for an intriguing encounter as Cologne welcomed Union to the RheinEnergieStadion. The hosts were desperate to end their five-match winless run in the Bundesliga, having claimed just two points during that stretch.

Union, meanwhile, arrived in confident mood after their impressive 3-1 victory against RB Leipzig last weekend. The match also marked a special occasion for Union coach Steffen Baumgart, who was making an emotional return to Cologne where he previously enjoyed a successful spell in charge.

Cologne controlled proceedings in the first half, enjoying up to 76% possession at times as Union were content to sit deep and wait for counter-attacking opportunities. Jakub Kamiński was particularly lively for the hosts, testing Frederik Rønnow twice with well-struck efforts in the sixth and 25th minutes.

Despite their territorial advantage, the Billy Goats struggled to create clear-cut chances against a resilient Union defence. The visitors offered little going forward themselves, with Wooyeong Jeong shot into the side netting their only notable attempt of the opening 45 minutes.

Jakub Kamiński had Cologne's best chances in the first-half. - IMAGO/VITALII KLIUIEV

Red card turns the tide

The second half continued in a similar pattern until a pivotal moment in the 67th minute when Leopold Querfeld came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock. The Union defender's powerful header was brilliantly saved by Marvin Schwäbe, who pushed the ball onto the post.

The complexion of the match changed dramatically in the 83rd minute when Van den Berg was shown a straight red card for handling the ball as the last man.

Rav van den Berg was sent off for a handball. - IMAGO/Maximilian Koch

About the players

14

Leopold

Querfeld

1. FC Union Berlin

With the numerical advantage, Union began to push forward with greater intent, and their persistence was rewarded in the first minute of stoppage time.

After a corner was only partially cleared, substitute Schäfer seized the moment with a stunning first-time strike from outside the box that flew past Schwäbe into the net.

Union stay eighth ahead of the winter break, with promoted Cologne in the lower half of the standings, five points clear of the relegation zone.

András Schäfer's late strike gave Union their third away win of the campaign. - IMAGO/Maximilian Koch

Man of the Match: Leopold Querfeld

Querfeld delivered a commanding defensive performance to help Union secure a valuable away victory. The centre-back was a towering presence at the back, winning 12 challenges throughout the match - second only to Cologne's Eric Martel (15). Querfeld nearly got on the scoresheet himself with a powerful header that forced Schwäbe into a spectacular save onto the post.

His defensive solidity ensured that Cologne, despite their possession advantage, created few clear-cut chances. The Austrian's strong display earned him the highest fantasy manager ranking among Union players with 236 points, behind only Cologne's Dominique Heintz (245).

Leopold Querfeld (l.) was superb at the back for Union. - IMAGO/Herbertz / Nico Herbertz

Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Cologne 0.53 - Union Berlin 1.56
Fastest player: Sebastian Sebulonsen (Cologne), 34.23 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 0-1 by András Schäfer (Union), 6 percent
Most pressed player: Jakub Kamiński (Cologne), 13 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Rav van den Berg (Cologne), +3.13

Fantasy Heroes: Dominique Heintz (Cologne, 245 Points), Leopold Querfeld (Union, 236 Points), Sebastian Sebulonsen (Cologne, 220 Points)

About the clubs

1. FC Union Berlin

An der Alten Försterei

1. FC Köln

RheinEnergieSTADION