1. FC Köln began the year just how it ended the last. The Rhineland side played out a 0-0 draw away at FSV Mainz 05 on matchday 17, extending a run of six games without a win. It was a fourth consecutive draw for Köln.
29,314 fans at the OPEL Arena had little to cheer about in the opening phase of the match – only a deflection of Mainz defender Stefan Bell in his own penalty area (5’) and a long-distance effort from Levin Öztunali causing any threat at either end.
Öztunali with the best chance
Köln, who were without goalkeeper Timo Horn, captain Matthias Lehmann and ex-Mainz player Marcel Risse, were often too passive. Even Christian Clemens, who joined the club from Mainz during the winter break, was unable to leave a mark on the game.
The game opened up a little after the break. Japan international Yoshinori Muto and Argentinean Pablo De Blasis both passed up on chances to give Mainz the lead early in the second half. While the hosts were clearly the more offensive side, the visitors sought to find chances on the counter. Öztunali passed up the biggest chance of the half when he fired over from inside the Köln penalty box.
1. FC Köln began the year just how it ended the last. The Rhineland side played out a 0-0 draw away at FSV Mainz 05 on matchday 17, extending a run of six games without a win. It was a fourth consecutive draw for Köln.
29,314 fans at the OPEL Arena had little to cheer about in the opening phase of the match – only a deflection of Mainz defender Stefan Bell in his own penalty area (5’) and a long-distance effort from Levin Öztunali causing any threat at either end.
Öztunali with the best chance
Köln, who were without goalkeeper Timo Horn, captain Matthias Lehmann and ex-Mainz player Marcel Risse, were often too passive. Even Christian Clemens, who joined the club from Mainz during the winter break, was unable to leave a mark on the game.
The game opened up a little after the break. Japan international Yoshinori Muto and Argentinean Pablo De Blasis both passed up on chances to give Mainz the lead early in the second half. While the hosts were clearly the more offensive side, the visitors sought to find chances on the counter. Öztunali passed up the biggest chance of the half when he fired over from inside the Köln penalty box.
