Bundesliga Regular Season - 20

1. FC Köln 1 - 0 FT VfL Wolfsburg

RheinEnergieStadion

Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
18
FT
Fri, Jan 30
Deutsch
1. FC Köln
1-0
VfL Wolfsburg
⚡ Intensity 16
⚖️ Balance 20
🏆 Stakes 0
🎲 Upset 0
Maina strike settles RheinEnergieSTADION duel

Maina Efficiency Sinks Dominant Wolves

Skip It Futmetrix Score: 18/100. 1. FC Köln displayed clinical precision to overcome VfL Wolfsburg’s possession-heavy approach and secure three vital points at the RheinEnergieSTADION.

The High-Octane Opening

The atmosphere at RheinEnergieSTADION was electric as 1. FC Köln hosted VfL Wolfsburg in a clash where the Intensity was evident from the opening exchanges. With both sides desperate to climb the table, the match began with a flurry of activity that kept the fans on the edge of their seats. A barrage of 28 combined shots turned the pitch into a busy firing range, though clear-cut chances remained a premium. The home side looked to exploit the wings, while the visitors attempted to dictate the tempo through superior ball retention. Despite the visitors having the lion's share of the ball, they struggled to find the clinical edge needed to breach the disciplined Köln defensive line. The early phase was characterized by a tactical battle in midfield, where every yard was contested with significant Balance.

Maina Breaks the Deadlock

The match reached its turning point in the 29th minute, providing the game's defining Stakes. A swift transition saw T. Krauss find space in the final third, delivering a precise ball to Linton Maina. The winger composed himself and slotted the ball home to send the home crowd into raptures. This goal fundamentally shifted the dynamic of the encounter, forcing VfL Wolfsburg to commit more men forward in search of a response. The visitors’ frustration began to mount, evidenced by their four yellow cards as they struggled to contain the Köln counter-attacks. While Wolfsburg registered 14 shots of their own, their lack of precision—managing only three on target—prevented them from finding an equaliser. Maina’s contribution proved to be the difference-maker, showcasing the efficiency that the visitors lacked.

Resolving the Mid-Table Tussle

As the clock ticked down, the tactical Balance leaned heavily towards a Köln side content to absorb pressure. The home defense remained resolute, frustrating the Wolfsburg attack at every turn. This victory propels Köln to 10th in the Bundesliga standings, leapfrogging their opponents and injecting much-needed momentum into their campaign. For Wolfsburg, this 11th loss of the season highlights ongoing issues with converting possession into points; they controlled possession with 59% of the ball but lacked the "Sniper" edge in the final third. There was no late Upset to the script as the Billy Goats held firm. The result leaves the visitors in 12th place, looking over their shoulders as the mid-table battle intensifies, while Köln celebrates a hard-fought clean sheet.

Key Questions

Who scored the winning goal?

Linton Maina scored the only goal of the match in the 29th minute.

What was the final score at RheinEnergieSTADION?

1. FC Köln won the match 1-0 against VfL Wolfsburg.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
41%
59%
1. FC Köln 41%
VfL Wolfsburg 59%
Shots
14
14
1. FC Köln 14
VfL Wolfsburg 14
Shots on Target
2
3
1. FC Köln 2
VfL Wolfsburg 3
Expected Goals (xG)
0.73
1.11
1. FC Köln 0.73
VfL Wolfsburg 1.11
Passes
316
466
1. FC Köln 316
VfL Wolfsburg 466
Pass Accuracy
73%
79%
1. FC Köln 73%
VfL Wolfsburg 79%
Corners
3
4
1. FC Köln 3
VfL Wolfsburg 4
Fouls
8
16
1. FC Köln 8
VfL Wolfsburg 16
Yellow Cards
1
4
1. FC Köln 1
VfL Wolfsburg 4
Red Cards
0
0
1. FC Köln 0
VfL Wolfsburg 0

Match Events

29' L. Maina (T. Krauss)
HT
Vini Souza A. Daghim 🔄 46'
L. Majer K. Shiogai 🔄 46'
58' 🟨 R. Ache
C. Eriksen 🟨 66'
67' 🔄 M. Bulter I. Johannesson
K. Shiogai 🟨 71'
K. Fischer S. Kumbedi 🔄 74'
P. Wimmer J. Lindstrom 🔄 74'
75' 🔄 J. Kaminski S. El Mala
75' 🔄 L. Maina J. Thielmann
M. Jenz 🟨 80'
86' 🔄 K. Lund R. van den Berg
86' 🔄 R. Ache Y. Niang
Y. Gerhardt 🟨 90'
Y. Gerhardt A. Zehnter 🔄 90'+1
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

1. FC Köln

Goalkeepers
Marvin Schwäbe
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Alessio Castro-Montes
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
10
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Sebastian Sebulonsen
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Cenk Özkaçar
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kristoffer Lund
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
12%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
Linton Maina
SNIPER
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
Eric Martel
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Tom Krauß
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
2
Key Passes
7.2
Rating
Jakub Kamiński
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
75
Total Mins
75
Entry
Forwards
Ragnar Ache
NPC
NPC
86
Minutes
86
Minutes
6%
Pass Acc
6.6
Rating
Marius Bülter
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
66
Total Mins
67
Entry
BENCH
Ron-Robert Zieler
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Rav van den Berg
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
9
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
29
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Said El Mala
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
20
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jan Thielmann
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
20
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Denis Huseinbašić
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Luca Waldschmidt
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Fynn Schenten
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Youssoupha Niang
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
9
Total Mins
Started
Entry

VfL Wolfsburg

Goalkeepers
Kamil Grabara
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Kilian Fischer
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
5
Tackles
70%
Duel Win %
Denis Vavro
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
83%
Duel Win %
Moritz Jenz
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Yannick Gerhardt
ARCHITECT
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
0
Assists
32%
Pass Acc
Midfielders
Vinícius Souza
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
Maximilian Arnold
MAGNET
MAGNET
77
Activity
77
Activity
74
Passes
3
Duels
Christian Eriksen
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Lovro Majer
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
45
Total Mins
46
Entry
Patrick Wimmer
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Forwards
Dženan Pejčinović
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
95
Total Mins
Started
Entry
BENCH
Marius Müller
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Saël Kumbedi
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
21
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Konstantinos Koulierakis
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Aaron Zehnter
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
4
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jesper Lindstrøm
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
21
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mattias Svanberg
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Pharell Hensel
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Adam Daghim
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
50
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kento Shiogai
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
50
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
13/09/2025 VfL Wolfsburg 3 - 3 1. FC Köln Bundesliga Volkswagen Arena
27/01/2024 VfL Wolfsburg 1 - 1 1. FC Köln Bundesliga Volkswagen Arena
26/08/2023 1. FC Köln 1 - 2 VfL Wolfsburg Bundesliga Cologne Stadium
25/02/2023 1. FC Köln 0 - 2 VfL Wolfsburg Bundesliga RheinEnergieStadion
03/09/2022 VfL Wolfsburg 2 - 4 1. FC Köln Bundesliga VOLKSWAGEN ARENA
07/05/2022 1. FC Köln 0 - 1 VfL Wolfsburg Bundesliga RheinEnergieStadion
13/09/2025
Bundesliga Volkswagen Arena
27/01/2024
Bundesliga Volkswagen Arena
26/08/2023
Bundesliga Cologne Stadium
25/02/2023
Bundesliga RheinEnergieStadion
03/09/2022
Bundesliga VOLKSWAGEN ARENA
07/05/2022
Bundesliga RheinEnergieStadion
1. FC Köln Win
VfL Wolfsburg Win
Draw

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Bayern München 20 51 74 18 +56 DHamburger SV 2 - 2 Bayern München (31-01-2026)LBayern München 1 - 2 FC Augsburg (24-01-2026)WRB Leipzig 1 - 5 Bayern München (17-01-2026)W1. FC Köln 1 - 3 Bayern München (14-01-2026)WBayern München 8 - 1 VfL Wolfsburg (11-01-2026)
2 Borussia Dortmund 20 45 41 19 +22 WBorussia Dortmund 3 - 2 1. FC Heidenheim (01-02-2026)WUnion Berlin 0 - 3 Borussia Dortmund (24-01-2026)WBorussia Dortmund 3 - 2 FC St. Pauli (17-01-2026)WBorussia Dortmund 3 - 0 Werder Bremen (13-01-2026)DEintracht Frankfurt 3 - 3 Borussia Dortmund (09-01-2026)
3 1899 Hoffenheim 20 42 43 23 +20 W1899 Hoffenheim 3 - 1 Union Berlin (31-01-2026)WWerder Bremen 0 - 2 1899 Hoffenheim (27-01-2026)WEintracht Frankfurt 1 - 3 1899 Hoffenheim (24-01-2026)W1899 Hoffenheim 1 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen (17-01-2026)W1899 Hoffenheim 5 - 1 Borussia Mönchengladbach (14-01-2026)
4 VfB Stuttgart 20 39 37 26 +11 WVfB Stuttgart 1 - 0 SC Freiburg (01-02-2026)WBorussia Mönchengladbach 0 - 3 VfB Stuttgart (25-01-2026)DVfB Stuttgart 1 - 1 Union Berlin (18-01-2026)WVfB Stuttgart 3 - 2 Eintracht Frankfurt (13-01-2026)WBayer Leverkusen 1 - 4 VfB Stuttgart (10-01-2026)
5 RB Leipzig 20 36 38 27 +11 LRB Leipzig 1 - 2 FSV Mainz 05 (31-01-2026)DFC St. Pauli 1 - 1 RB Leipzig (27-01-2026)W1. FC Heidenheim 0 - 3 RB Leipzig (24-01-2026)LRB Leipzig 1 - 5 Bayern München (17-01-2026)WRB Leipzig 2 - 0 SC Freiburg (14-01-2026)
6 Bayer Leverkusen 19 35 38 26 +12 WEintracht Frankfurt 1 - 3 Bayer Leverkusen (31-01-2026)WBayer Leverkusen 1 - 0 Werder Bremen (24-01-2026)L1899 Hoffenheim 1 - 0 Bayer Leverkusen (17-01-2026)LBayer Leverkusen 1 - 4 VfB Stuttgart (10-01-2026)WRB Leipzig 1 - 3 Bayer Leverkusen (20-12-2025)
7 SC Freiburg 20 27 31 33 -2 LVfB Stuttgart 1 - 0 SC Freiburg (01-02-2026)WSC Freiburg 2 - 1 1. FC Köln (25-01-2026)DFC Augsburg 2 - 2 SC Freiburg (18-01-2026)LRB Leipzig 2 - 0 SC Freiburg (14-01-2026)WSC Freiburg 2 - 1 Hamburger SV (10-01-2026)
8 Eintracht Frankfurt 20 27 40 45 -5 LEintracht Frankfurt 1 - 3 Bayer Leverkusen (31-01-2026)LEintracht Frankfurt 1 - 3 1899 Hoffenheim (24-01-2026)DWerder Bremen 3 - 3 Eintracht Frankfurt (16-01-2026)LVfB Stuttgart 3 - 2 Eintracht Frankfurt (13-01-2026)DEintracht Frankfurt 3 - 3 Borussia Dortmund (09-01-2026)
9 Union Berlin 20 24 25 33 -8 L1899 Hoffenheim 3 - 1 Union Berlin (31-01-2026)LUnion Berlin 0 - 3 Borussia Dortmund (24-01-2026)DVfB Stuttgart 1 - 1 Union Berlin (18-01-2026)DFC Augsburg 1 - 1 Union Berlin (15-01-2026)DUnion Berlin 2 - 2 FSV Mainz 05 (10-01-2026)
10 1. FC Köln 20 23 29 32 -3 W1. FC Köln 1 - 0 VfL Wolfsburg (30-01-2026)LSC Freiburg 2 - 1 1. FC Köln (25-01-2026)W1. FC Köln 2 - 1 FSV Mainz 05 (17-01-2026)L1. FC Köln 1 - 3 Bayern München (14-01-2026)D1. FC Heidenheim 2 - 2 1. FC Köln (10-01-2026)
11 FC Augsburg 20 22 24 37 -13 WFC Augsburg 2 - 1 FC St. Pauli (31-01-2026)WBayern München 1 - 2 FC Augsburg (24-01-2026)DFC Augsburg 2 - 2 SC Freiburg (18-01-2026)DFC Augsburg 1 - 1 Union Berlin (15-01-2026)LBorussia Mönchengladbach 4 - 0 FC Augsburg (11-01-2026)
12 Borussia Mönchengladbach 20 21 24 33 -9 DWerder Bremen 1 - 1 Borussia Mönchengladbach (31-01-2026)LBorussia Mönchengladbach 0 - 3 VfB Stuttgart (25-01-2026)DHamburger SV 0 - 0 Borussia Mönchengladbach (17-01-2026)L1899 Hoffenheim 5 - 1 Borussia Mönchengladbach (14-01-2026)WBorussia Mönchengladbach 4 - 0 FC Augsburg (11-01-2026)
13 Hamburger SV 19 19 19 29 -10 DHamburger SV 2 - 2 Bayern München (31-01-2026)DFC St. Pauli 0 - 0 Hamburger SV (23-01-2026)DHamburger SV 0 - 0 Borussia Mönchengladbach (17-01-2026)LSC Freiburg 2 - 1 Hamburger SV (10-01-2026)DHamburger SV 1 - 1 Eintracht Frankfurt (20-12-2025)
14 VfL Wolfsburg 20 19 28 42 -14 L1. FC Köln 1 - 0 VfL Wolfsburg (30-01-2026)LFSV Mainz 05 3 - 1 VfL Wolfsburg (24-01-2026)DVfL Wolfsburg 1 - 1 1. FC Heidenheim (17-01-2026)WVfL Wolfsburg 2 - 1 FC St. Pauli (14-01-2026)LBayern München 8 - 1 VfL Wolfsburg (11-01-2026)
15 Werder Bremen 20 19 22 38 -16 DWerder Bremen 1 - 1 Borussia Mönchengladbach (31-01-2026)LWerder Bremen 0 - 2 1899 Hoffenheim (27-01-2026)LBayer Leverkusen 1 - 0 Werder Bremen (24-01-2026)DWerder Bremen 3 - 3 Eintracht Frankfurt (16-01-2026)LBorussia Dortmund 3 - 0 Werder Bremen (13-01-2026)
16 FSV Mainz 05 20 18 23 33 -10 WRB Leipzig 1 - 2 FSV Mainz 05 (31-01-2026)WFSV Mainz 05 3 - 1 VfL Wolfsburg (24-01-2026)L1. FC Köln 2 - 1 FSV Mainz 05 (17-01-2026)WFSV Mainz 05 2 - 1 1. FC Heidenheim (13-01-2026)DUnion Berlin 2 - 2 FSV Mainz 05 (10-01-2026)
17 FC St. Pauli 20 14 18 34 -16 LFC Augsburg 2 - 1 FC St. Pauli (31-01-2026)DFC St. Pauli 1 - 1 RB Leipzig (27-01-2026)DFC St. Pauli 0 - 0 Hamburger SV (23-01-2026)LBorussia Dortmund 3 - 2 FC St. Pauli (17-01-2026)LVfL Wolfsburg 2 - 1 FC St. Pauli (14-01-2026)
18 1. FC Heidenheim 20 13 19 45 -26 LBorussia Dortmund 3 - 2 1. FC Heidenheim (01-02-2026)L1. FC Heidenheim 0 - 3 RB Leipzig (24-01-2026)DVfL Wolfsburg 1 - 1 1. FC Heidenheim (17-01-2026)LFSV Mainz 05 2 - 1 1. FC Heidenheim (13-01-2026)D1. FC Heidenheim 2 - 2 1. FC Köln (10-01-2026)