Cologne sign off in China with friendly win over FC Liaoning

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Cologne rounded off their brief trip to China on a high on Wednesday, recording a 5-0 friendly win over partner club FC Liaoning.

Read: Bundesliga No.1 in China's digital media

Leonardo Bittencourt and Anthony Modeste both scored two before Simon Zoller made it 5-0 on the stroke of half-time in a lively encounter witnessed by 15,000 spectators (click play on the video above for highlights).

There was a familiar face on the opposite side of the pitch, with former Cologne striker Anthony Ujah lining up for the hosts, having moved to China in summer 2016. Head coach Peter Stöger changed almost the entire team at the break and there were to be no further goals in the second half.

"It was a long trip to China and we wanted to give a good account of ourselves," said Bittencourt afterwards. "We did that very well in the first half. We didn't really know what to expect from the opposition. It's always nice to score goals."

Stöger was equally satisfied: "The players did well and had a decent game following our big success [a 2-0 win over Mainz that secured European qualification] on Saturday. It's been a positive experience and we've been warmly welcomed everywhere. I hope and believe we've made a good impression."

- © 1. FC Köln/René Schiffer