1. FC Köln had the better of the chances and the game against SC Freiburg but were unable to find the back of the net on Saturday evening at the RheinEnergieSTADION.
Team news
Timo Schultz opted for one alteration from the side that started the draw in Mainz last weekend. Linton Maina replaced Steffen Tigges.
Christian Streich made two changes to the side that began the defeat to Wolfsburg last time out. Kiliann Sildillia and Nicolas Höfler both missed out through suspension, Lukas Kübler and Lucas Höler their replacements.
Level at the break
FC started the game with real purpose, keen to take the momentum from the late surge against Mainz into the Freiburg fixture. Linton Maina shot wide after Max Finkgräfe’s cutback, while Eric Martel headed over and had a clever flick well-held by Noah Atubolu in the Freiburg goal.
The visitors only really got going after 25 minutes yet had two good chances in quick succession as Vincenzo Grifo and Roland Sallai went close. As the rain drew in across the Müngersdorf night sky, there were little in the way of chances late in the first period as the teams went in level at the break.
Chances but no goals
The second-half began with FC driving forward in search of an opening goal. Max Finkgräfe found Alidou, though he was unable to find his feet in front of goal. Christian Günter almost headed into his own net before Ritsu Doan and Lucas Höler threatened for the visitors.
FC continued to push for a late winner but to no avail. Faride Alidou was denied at close range by Atubolu, whilst Benno Schmitz’s cross was blocked just in the nick of time by the Freiburg backline. A Steffen Tigges effort just before the final whistle was also dealt with by the Freiburg shotstopper.
FC are next in action on Saturday, 11th May against 1. FC Union Berlin. Kick-off for the final home game of the season is at 15:30 CEST.
Line-ups
1. FC Köln (4-2-3-1): Schwäbe – Schimtz, Hübers, Chabot (Heintz 58‘), Finkgräfe – Martel, Huseinbasic – Thielmann (Tigges 58‘), Waldschmidt (Adamyan 84‘), Maina (Kainz 67‘) – Alidou (Diehl 84‘).
SC Freiburg (3-4-2-1): Atubolu – Kübler, Keitel, Gulde – Doan, Eggestein, Höler, Günter (Makengo 78‘) – Sallai (Philipp 78‘), Grifo (Muslija 87‘) – Gregoritsch (Adamu 87‘).
Goals: None.
Referee: Sören Storks (Ramsdorf).
Booked: Kübler (51’), Finkgräfe (74’).
Attendance: 50,000 (sold-out).
