Cologne Snatch Dramatic Draw as Stark Sees Red

Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 63/100. A match defined by reversals at the Weser: Werder Bremen led through M. Friedl, only for Said El Mala to shock them with a 90th-minute equalizer—before Niklas Stark's late red card left the hosts in turmoil.

Friedl's Early Breakthrough and Topp's Heartbreak

Werder Bremen dominated the opening exchanges. Jens Stage orchestrated the play from midfield, and his assist found M. Friedl in the 22nd minute for a composed finish. The home side's intensity was relentless—17 shots fired across the match—yet Marvin Schwäbe's steady hands kept Cologne alive. Then came the hammer blow in the 56th minute: Keke Topp wheeled away in celebration, only for VAR to intervene and cancel the goal. The decision stung the Weser, robbing Werder of what would have been a decisive second.

El Mala Delivers the Sucker Punch

Cologne had been patient, probing, and in the 90th minute they struck with surgical precision. Substitute K. Lund burst down the flank and crossed for Said El Mala, who finished with ice-cold efficiency to make it 1-1. The upset factor was immense—the home crowd stunned into silence. But there was more drama: seconds later, Niklas Stark received a red card for a foul in the 90+6th minute. Werder Bremen faced the final moments with ten men, their numerical disadvantage a bitter punctuation to a match that had swung twice.

The Numbers Behind the Chaos

Werder controlled possession at 49% and strung together 400 accurate passes (84% accuracy), yet Cologne's clinical edge proved decisive. The visitors managed only 10 shots—two on target—but one found the net when it mattered most. Schwäbe's three saves kept Cologne in touching distance, while the balance of the match shifted twice: Friedl's opener, Topp's VAR-cancelled goal, and El Mala's equalizer created a narrative of momentum swings that defined this six-pointer.