Cologne Ends Winless Streak with a 2-1 Victory Over Mainz

Cologne concluded their eight-match winless streak by coming from behind to defeat Mainz 2-1 at the RheinEnergieStadion on Matchday 18, with Ragnar Ache scoring both goals for the home side.

Prior to the match, questions surrounded the future of head coach Lukas Kwasniok, who faced scrutiny following three draws and five losses. Mainz took an early lead through Stefan Bell, intensifying the pressure on Kwasniok.

In the aftermath of the victory, Cologne’s sporting director, Thomas Kessler, reaffirmed his support for Kwasniok, who was appointed during the summer. “I have complete confidence in our coach,” Kessler stated in an interview with Sky Germany. “Achieving 20 points is quite commendable for a newly promoted team.”

Kwasniok expressed his relief and joy at the team’s return to winning form: “When you haven’t won for a while, a victory feels more significant. Objectively, it’s just three points, but today it carries a sense of relief.”

Next, Cologne will face Freiburg away before hosting Wolfsburg on Matchday 20.