Bundesliga Regular Season - 18
1. FC Köln 2 - 1 FT FSV Mainz 05
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
19' E. Martel
S. Bell (D. da Costa) 29'
Lee Jae-Sung 43'
HT
46' ↓ E. Martel ↑T. Krauss
46' ↓ I. Johannesson ↑R. Ache
46' ↓ C. Ozkacar ↑K. Lund
57' R. Ache (A. Castro-Montes)
↓ Silas ↑A. Sieb 61'
S. Widmer 61'
72' M. Bulter
P. Tietz 72'
72' S. El Mala
D. Batz 72'
73' ↓ L. Maina ↑L. Waldschmidt
↓ Lee Jae-Sung ↑W. Boving 74'
↓ S. Bell ↑L. Maloney 74'
83' ↓ A. Castro-Montes ↑J. Thielmann
85' R. Ache
FT
Player Cards
Season performance ratings for players in this match
1. FC Köln
Goalkeepers
Marvin Schwäbe
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Defenders
Sebastian Sebulonsen 
NPC
92
minutes
92
minutes
39%
pass acc
6.7
rating
Jahmai Simpson-Pusey 
SWEEPER
3
cleanups
3
cleanups
3
interceptions
0
blocks
Cenk Özkaçar
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Midfielders
Linton Maina
NPC
73
minutes
73
minutes
18%
pass acc
6.5
rating
Eric Martel 
WALL
0
dribbled past
0
dribbled past
2
tackles
62%
duel win %
Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Alessio Castro-Montes 
ARCHITECT
4
key passes
4
key passes
1
assists
49%
pass acc
Forwards
Jakub Kamiński
WALL
0
dribbled past
0
dribbled past
2
tackles
45%
duel win %
Marius Bülter 
SUNDAY LEAGUER
5.9
rating
5.9
rating
13
duels lost
16
poss lost
Said El Mala
WALL
0
dribbled past
0
dribbled past
3
tackles
50%
duel win %
BENCH
Ron-Robert Zieler 
SPECTATOR
0
saves
0
saves
0
conceded
0
minutes
Kristoffer Lund
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Rav van den Berg 
CAMEO
0
minutes
0
minutes
0
touches
None
events
Tom Krauß
SWEEPER
3
cleanups
3
cleanups
3
interceptions
0
blocks
Florian Kainz
CAMEO
0
minutes
0
minutes
0
touches
None
events
Jan Thielmann
CAMEO
9
minutes
9
minutes
0
touches
None
events
Ragnar Ache 
CLUTCH HERO
0
goal time
0
goal time
0
impact
8.5
rating
Luca Waldschmidt
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Fynn Schenten
CAMEO
0
minutes
0
minutes
0
touches
None
events
FSV Mainz 05
Goalkeepers
Daniel Batz
NPC
92
minutes
92
minutes
16%
pass acc
6.6
rating
Defenders
Dominik Kohr 
PROVOCATEUR
2
fouls won
2
fouls won
5
Duels Won
0
pens won
Stefan Bell 
SNIPER
100%
conversion
100%
conversion
1
goals
1
shots
Kacper Potulski
SWEEPER
5
cleanups
5
cleanups
2
interceptions
3
blocks
Midfielders
Kaishu Sano
SWEEPER
3
cleanups
3
cleanups
3
interceptions
0
blocks
Danny da Costa
WALL
0
dribbled past
0
dribbled past
2
tackles
58%
duel win %
Paul Nebel
ARCHITECT
3
key passes
3
key passes
0
assists
22%
pass acc
Jae-sung Lee
NPC
74
minutes
74
minutes
13%
pass acc
6.2
rating
Silvan Widmer
NPC
92
minutes
92
minutes
18%
pass acc
6.2
rating
Forwards
Silas
NPC
61
minutes
61
minutes
8%
pass acc
6.7
rating
Phillip Tietz 
MAGNET
45
activity
45
activity
32
passes
13
duels
BENCH
Lasse Riess
SPECTATOR
0
saves
0
saves
0
conceded
0
minutes
Maxim Leitsch
CAMEO
0
minutes
0
minutes
0
touches
None
events
Lennard Maloney
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Sota Kawasaki
CAMEO
0
minutes
0
minutes
0
touches
None
events
Armindo Sieb
WALL
0
dribbled past
0
dribbled past
5
tackles
75%
duel win %
William Bøving
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
Arnaud Nordin
CAMEO
2
minutes
2
minutes
0
touches
None
events
Ben Justus Bobzien
CAMEO
0
minutes
0
minutes
0
touches
None
events
Fabio Moreno Fell
CAMEO
1
minutes
1
minutes
1
touches
None
events
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24/08/2025 | FSV Mainz 05 | 0 - 1 | 1. FC Köln | Bundesliga | Mewa Arena |
| 28/04/2024 | FSV Mainz 05 | 1 - 1 | 1. FC Köln | Bundesliga | MEWA ARENA |
| 10/12/2023 | 1. FC Köln | 0 - 0 | FSV Mainz 05 | Bundesliga | Cologne Stadium |
| 15/04/2023 | 1. FC Köln | 1 - 1 | FSV Mainz 05 | Bundesliga | RheinEnergieStadion |
| 21/10/2022 | FSV Mainz 05 | 5 - 0 | 1. FC Köln | Bundesliga | MEWA ARENA |
| 09/04/2022 | 1. FC Köln | 3 - 2 | FSV Mainz 05 | Bundesliga | RheinEnergieStadion |
24/08/2025
28/04/2024
10/12/2023
15/04/2023
21/10/2022
09/04/2022
1. FC Köln Win
FSV Mainz 05 Win
Draw
League Standings
P: 18 GD: +57
P: 18 GD: +18
P: 17 GD: +14
P: 18 GD: +7
P: 17 GD: +9
P: 17 GD: +9
P: 18 GD: -1
P: 18 GD: -2
P: 18 GD: -3
P: 18 GD: -3
P: 18 GD: -6
P: 18 GD: -11
P: 17 GD: -13
P: 17 GD: -10
P: 18 GD: -15
P: 18 GD: -22
P: 18 GD: -13
League Standings
P: 19 GD: +56
P: 19 GD: +21
P: 20 GD: +18
P: 20 GD: +12
P: 19 GD: +10
P: 19 GD: +10
P: 20 GD: -3
P: 19 GD: -1
P: 20 GD: -6
P: 20 GD: -3
P: 20 GD: -9
P: 20 GD: -14
P: 20 GD: -14
P: 20 GD: -16
P: 18 GD: -10
P: 20 GD: -11
P: 20 GD: -15
AI-powered match analysis and previews to help you decide which games are worth watching
Super-Sub Ache Inspires Gritty Köln Comeback
Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 73/100. A match of tactical adjustments where the introduction of a clinical finisher proved the difference, leaving Mainz to rue missed opportunities in their fight for survival.
Mainz Strike First Amidst Heavy Pressure
The atmosphere at the RheinEnergieSTADION crackled with high Stakes as the home side sought to climb the table while the visitors fought desperately for survival. Despite 1. FC Köln dominating possession with 62%, it was the visitors who struck first against the run of play. In the 29th minute, veteran defender S. Bell rose highest to meet a pinpoint cross from D. da Costa, silencing the home crowd. FSV Mainz 05 showed great tactical discipline in the opening period, absorbing heavy pressure and restricting the hosts to low-quality chances. The first half felt like a frustrating puzzle for Köln, who struggled to find the necessary rhythm to breach a stubborn and well-drilled defensive line.
The Substitution That Changed Everything
Everything changed with a pivotal managerial decision at halftime. The introduction of R. Ache shifted the entire dynamic of the contest. The substitute wasted little time making his mark, firing home the equalizer in the 57th minute after being set up by A. Castro-Montes. Suddenly, the tactical Balance of the match swung violently in favor of the Billy Goats. The Intensity of Köln's play increased tenfold, resulting in a barrage of 18 shots that turned the Mainz box into a shooting gallery. The visitors struggled to retain the ball, their passing accuracy dropping as the pressure mounted, while Köln's relentless wing play continued to test the resolve of the weary Mainz defenders.
Ache Seals the Deal Under the Lights
The drama reached its crescendo in the 85th minute. Showing the instincts of a true finisher, R. Ache capitalized on a defensive lapse to smash home his second goal of the afternoon, securing a late winner from a draw. This clinical brace ensured there would be no late Upset Factor for the visitors, who had defended heroically for large stretches. The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Köln, a result that leaves Mainz languishing in the relegation play-off spot. For the hosts, this was a masterclass in persistence, turning a one-goal deficit into three points through sheer offensive volume. The victory consolidates their position in the top ten and serves as a reminder of the impact a game-changing substitute can have on the final scoreline.
Key Questions
What made Ragnar Ache the Man of the Match?
Ache came off the bench to score two goals, proving to be the clinical edge Köln needed to win.
How dramatic was the late winner by Ragnar Ache?
His 85th-minute strike broke the deadlock late in the game, securing all three points in thrilling fashion.
How did 1. FC Köln complete the comeback from behind?
Köln utilized a super-sub and sustained offensive pressure, eventually overwhelming the Mainz defense in the second half.
How is the Futmetrix Score calculated?
The Futmetrix Score (0-100) combines multiple factors: match intensity, competitive balance, stakes importance, and entertainment value to help you decide if this match is worth watching.
Defensive Fragility Meets Mid-Season Desperation
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 44/100. This clash is a race to the bottom for defensive composure, where the side that blinks last will likely surrender all three points.
The Setup
As the Bundesliga returns to the RheinEnergieStadion on January 17, 2026, the Stakes couldn't be clearer for two sides struggling to keep the ball out of their own net. 1. FC Köln enters this fixture with a dismal home record, winning just 25% of their matches in front of their own fans. Visitors FSV Mainz 05 are currently entrenched in 16th place, plagued by a defensive Balance that sees them concede an average of 2.1 goals per game. With both teams combining for nearly four goals conceded per match, the narrative is built on exploitation rather than execution.
Key Battle
The decisive duel features Köln’s Linton Maina against Mainz’s creative heartbeat, Nadiem Amiri. Maina’s blistering pace and recent Stars-level performances (7.9 rating) make him the primary threat to a Mainz backline that lacks lateral mobility. However, the game may well be decided by whether the Köln midfield can neutralize Amiri, whose vision and set-piece delivery remain the visitors' most potent weapon in their fight against the drop.
Our Prediction
Given the statistical certainty of goals—a combined 3.1 expected per match—this will not be a cagey affair. Köln’s tendency to collapse at home and Mainz’s inability to shut the door suggest a high-scoring stalemate. The Form of both attacks should easily override the lackluster defensive structures. We anticipate a chaotic 2-2 draw where momentum swings wildly until the final whistle.
Key Questions
Should I watch this match?
Absolutely. The statistical likelihood of goals makes this a high-value watch for neutrals.
What's the predicted outcome?
A 2-2 draw, as both defenses are currently too porous to hold a lead.
Where are 1. FC Köln and FSV Mainz 05 in the table?
Köln sit 11th with 17 points, while Mainz are 16th with 12 points.
What is 1. FC Köln's current form?
Their current form is DLLDD, highlighting a significant struggle for consistency.
Who is the in-form player to watch?
Nadiem Amiri (FSV Mainz 05) with 2 goals in 3 matches, averaging a 8.1 rating.
How is the Futmetrix Score calculated?
The Futmetrix Score (0-100) combines multiple factors: match intensity, competitive balance, stakes importance, and entertainment value to help you decide if this match is worth watching.