On a sun-soaked evening at the Franz-Kremer-Stadion, the women’s team of 1. FC Köln faced a daunting challenge as they took on Eintracht Frankfurt in a Bundesliga clash on April 27, 2025. Unfortunately for the home team, they were unable to find their footing and succumbed to a decisive 0:4 defeat. Despite the loss, Köln’s position in the league remains secure, as they are mathematically safe from relegation.
A crowd of 2,430 fans gathered to support the home side, with many traveling from Hessen to cheer on Frankfurt. The atmosphere was electric, but it quickly turned sour for the Köln supporters as Frankfurt demonstrated their prowess from the very first whistle.
In the 6th minute, the visitors struck first. After a costly mistake by Köln's Janina Hechler, the ball landed at the feet of Carlotta Wamser, who swiftly set up Laura Freigang. The German international calmly lifted the ball over the advancing FC goalkeeper Aurora Mikalsen, giving Frankfurt a 1:0 lead. It was a sign of things to come as the Eintracht continued to dominate the play.
Just ten minutes later, Frankfurt doubled their advantage. A pinpoint cross from Lara Prasnikar found Nicole Anyomi, who had all the time in the world to control the ball, turn, and slot it into the bottom right corner. The Köln defense appeared helpless, and the score was quickly 0:2.
Despite the mounting pressure, the home side began to find their rhythm as the half progressed. However, their attempts to claw back into the game were thwarted. In the 40th minute, Köln was presented with a free kick, but Laura Vogt's lack of concentration allowed Frankfurt to counterattack. Anyomi, once again, found herself in a promising position but struck the post instead of the net.
As the teams headed into halftime, Frankfurt maintained their two-goal lead, having created numerous chances while Köln struggled to make a significant impact offensively.
After the break, the visitors resumed their dominance. In the 53rd minute, Freigang added to her tally with a powerful header from a well-executed corner taken by Nina Lührßen, extending the lead to 3:0. It was a moment that showcased Frankfurt's aerial superiority and tactical awareness.
Köln fought valiantly, showing great spirit as they attempted to keep Frankfurt at bay. They threw themselves into every tackle, but the individual quality and tactical discipline of the Eintracht side proved too much. The hosts struggled to create meaningful opportunities, with their first attempt of the half coming from Adriana Achcinska, whose long-range effort sailed wide.
As the match neared its conclusion, Frankfurt continued to press for more goals. In the dying moments of the game, they sealed their emphatic victory. In the first minute of stoppage time, Elisa Senß found herself in space in the penalty area, finishing off a slick move initiated by Wamser. Senß's goal brought the score to 4:0, capping off a dominant performance from the visitors.
This defeat marked the 14th loss for Köln in their 20 league matches this season, leaving them in a precarious position on the league table. However, they can take solace in the fact that, with just two matches remaining, they are safe from relegation, thanks to a seven-point cushion over bottom-placed Turbine Potsdam.
Coach Britta Carlson is still searching for her first victory since taking charge in January 2025. The team’s next challenge will be against Werder Bremen, as they look to finish the season on a high note. Meanwhile, Frankfurt's victory propels them closer to securing a Champions League qualification spot, as they temporarily climbed to second place in the table. However, this position is under threat from VfL Wolfsburg, who have a chance to reclaim the spot with a win against Hoffenheim.
The match served as a reminder of the competitive nature of the Frauen-Bundesliga, where every point is crucial as teams vie for positioning in the league. As the season approaches its conclusion, the focus will shift to the final matches, where every team will be looking to solidify their standing.
In summary, while Köln may have faced a tough night against Eintracht Frankfurt, their survival in the league is assured. The lessons learned from this match will be vital as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures, hoping to build momentum and end the season positively.
