Schwäbe's Masterclass and VAR Chaos: Cologne Stuns Hoffenheim

À Éviter Score Futmetrix: 31/100. At the PreZero Arena, Hoffenheim dominated possession and territory but fell victim to Cologne's surgical efficiency and a goalkeeper performance for the ages.

El Mala Strikes in a Flash

Before the crowd had settled, Said El Mala cut through Hoffenheim's defence with ruthless precision. The Cologne forward latched onto E. Martel's pass and finished with ice-cold composure—a goal that set the tone for an afternoon of frustration for the hosts. Hoffenheim controlled 61 percent possession, firing 15 shots, yet only four found the target. The Balance was stark: territorial dominance without clinical edge.

The VAR Turning Point

Then came minute 43 and the moment that defined the match. Bazoumana Touré went down in the box, the referee pointed to the spot—but VAR intervened and overturned the decision. It was the pivot moment of the afternoon. Hoffenheim's psychological advantage evaporated. With 17 corners and 25 total shots, the hosts hammered away at Cologne's goal, but the Intensity yielded nothing. The Stakes had shifted irreversibly.

Schwäbe's Four-Save Masterpiece

Marvin Schwäbe was Cologne's fortress. Four saves—each one crucial—kept the visitors' sheet clean and neutralised Hoffenheim's relentless pressure. While Hoffenheim generated 1.12 xG, Cologne proved that efficiency trumps volume: 0.94 xG, one goal, three points. The final whistle brought vindication for the visitors and despair for the home faithful. Cologne climbed to sixth; Hoffenheim's form remained adrift.