With a furious comeback, 1. FC Cologne avoided the threat of relegation from the Bundesliga on the penultimate matchday. The Rhinelanders won the basement duel with Union Berlin 3-2 (1-2) after a 2-0 deficit and reduced the gap to the Iron Men to three points one game day before the end of the season.
The relegation place is currently only two points away for Cologne. FSV Mainz 05, which plays against Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund and can overtake 1. FC Union, is currently in 16th place. Borussia Mönchengladbach got rid of any relegation worries with a 1-1 (1-1) draw against Eintracht Frankfurt.
In the last home game under coach Christian Streich, SC Freiburg missed another win for their European Cup ambitions with a 1-1 (1-1) draw against promoted team 1. FC Heidenheim. Leipzig, who had already qualified for the Champions League, had to settle for a 1-1 (0-1) draw against Werder Bremen in front of their home fans.
Last home game for Christian Streich
Union got off to a brilliant start in Cologne and took a 2-0 lead through Robin Knoche (15th minute) with a header and Kevin Volland (19th) with a hand penalty. Florian Kainz (45th/foul penalty) shortened the score for FC shortly before half-time. Steffen Tigges (87′) and Damion Downs (90′) ensured Cologne’s victory late on.
Gladbach led early with a goal from Robin Hack (9th), but Éric Dina Ebimbe (35th) managed to equalize for Eintracht.
After half an hour, Ritsu Dōan gave Freiburg hope for a perfect farewell in their home stadium. But Kevin Sessa (38th) spoiled the game with his goal to make it 1-1.
An own goal from Leipzig’s Nicolas Seiwald (36th) put Bremen in the lead. But RB attacker Benjamin Šeško equalized the result after an hour.
