FC Koln staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to secure a crucial point in their relegation battle, as they fought back to earn a thrilling 2-2 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt at Deutsche Bank Park, with all four goals occurring in the last half-hour of the match.
Facing the prospect of sliding into the relegation zone for the first time this season, Koln started on the front foot, with Michael Zetterer forced to save an early shot from Jakub Kamiński, followed by a scramble from Ragnar Ache’s follow-up.
However, the home team, under the stewardship of Albert Riera, had been dominant in their previous home matches, and soon began to take control of the game.
Their first clear opportunity arrived when Hugo Larsson sent Ansgar Knauff racing through, but the latter’s attempt to guide the ball into the far corner was expertly deflected wide by Marvin Schwabe.
At the other end, Said El Mala demonstrated his prowess by curling a shot just past the post, while Schwäbe once again rose to the occasion, thwarting Arnaud Kalimuendo in a one-on-one situation.
Most of the action stayed in Koln’s half for the remainder of the first half, yet the visitors had arguably the best opportunity of the opening period when they broke away.
El Mala sped down the pitch during a two-on-one scenario, opting to pass to Kamiński, whose heavy touch allowed Zetterer to intervene.
Both teams appeared desperate for the elusive first goal as the second half began chaotically, and it arrived at the 66-minute mark.
Fares Chaibi surged down the right flank for Frankfurt and delivered a cut-back pass to Jonathan Burkardt, who calmly slotted the ball into the empty net, boosting his team’s confidence to aim for a second goal.
A few moments later, Kalimuendo was quick to react, capitalising on a rebound from Ayoube Amaimouni-Echghouyab’s initial strike to volley into the top corner.
Koln responded almost immediately as Kamiński surged through the Frankfurt defence, slotting a precise finish past Zetterer.
The visitors kept up the pressure in search of an equaliser, and René Wagner’s substitutes made an impact with just over five minutes remaining.
Luca Waldschmidt headed the ball back across goal, allowing Marius Bulter to set up Alessio Castro-Montes for a simple tap-in moments after he came on.
With neither team able to find a late winner, Frankfurt now face a 10-point deficit to the top six, while Koln find themselves merely two points above the relegation play-off spot after managing to win only two out of their last 19 Bundesliga fixtures.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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