In a thrilling display of football, 1. FC Köln has reclaimed the top spot in the 2. Bundesliga after a decisive 3:1 victory over Preußen Münster on April 20, 2025. This match, held at the packed Müngersdorfer Stadion, saw Köln capitalize on a slip-up by Hamburger SV, pushing them one point ahead in the standings with 54 points.
Köln, under the guidance of coach Gerhard Struber, entered the match with determination after having gone two games without a win. They started strong, showcasing an aggressive offensive strategy that paid off early. Tim Lemperle opened the scoring in the 11th minute, expertly placing the ball into the right corner of the net. This set the tone for the match as the home side dominated possession, often exceeding 70% ball control.
However, the game took an unexpected turn in the 39th minute when Timo Hübers, the Köln captain, inadvertently deflected a cross into his own net, leveling the score at 1:1 and providing Münster a glimmer of hope. Yet, Köln responded swiftly just before halftime. In the 45+1 minute, a controversial handball call against Münster led to a penalty, which Luca Waldschmidt confidently converted, restoring Köln's lead.
After the break, Köln maintained their offensive momentum, and Damion Downs scored in the 56th minute, effectively sealing the match at 3:1. Despite several missed opportunities to extend their lead, Köln's defense held firm, preventing Münster from mounting a serious challenge.
“We want to return to the Bundesliga,” emphasized Thomas Kessler, the club's licensing manager, before the match. The victory over Münster was crucial, not only for the points but also for the morale of the team as they approach the final stretch of the season with only four games remaining.
Meanwhile, in other matches on the same day, 1. FC Magdeburg also celebrated a significant win, defeating Jahn Regensburg 3:0. Martijn Kaars opened the scoring for Magdeburg in the 28th minute, followed by goals from El-Zein in the 51st and Philipp Hercher in the 72nd minute. This victory propelled Magdeburg into a strong position for promotion, placing them third in the standings with 49 points.
Karlsruher SC secured a narrow 1:0 victory over Greuther Fürth, thanks to Marvin Wanitzek's goal in the 75th minute. This win keeps KSC in the hunt for a promotion spot, with 44 points, as they aim to close the gap on the playoff positions.
In a gripping encounter, Darmstadt 98 triumphed over Hannover 96 with a score of 3:1. Fraser Hornby scored remarkably just 30 seconds into the match, setting Darmstadt on the path to victory. Despite a late equalizer from Hannover's Andreas Voglsammer in the 82nd minute, Darmstadt quickly regained the lead through Killian Corredor in the 83rd minute, solidifying their position in the league.
Hertha BSC also enjoyed success, overcoming SSV Ulm 3:2 in a match that saw a flurry of goals. After trailing 1:0 at halftime, Hertha surged back with two quick goals from Fabian Reese in the 46th and 50th minutes. Florian Niederlechner capped off the scoring for Hertha in the 84th minute, ensuring their safety from relegation.
The results from the day not only reshaped the league table but also heightened the stakes as teams vie for promotion and survival in the 2. Bundesliga. With Köln now leading the pack, the pressure is on as they look to secure their spot back in the Bundesliga, while teams like Münster and Ulm fight desperately to avoid relegation.
As the season reaches its climax, every match becomes critical. With Köln's resurgence and Magdeburg's aspirations, the final weeks promise to deliver intense competition and drama in the race for promotion.
