The RheinEnergieSTADION witnessed a breathtaking six-goal thriller, as 1. FC Köln and Borussia Mönchengladbach battled to a dramatic 3-3 draw. Jens Castrop's early strike and late equalizer, coupled with Eric Martel's goal and subsequent red card, ensured an unforgettable Rhein derby.
This fiercely contested Rhein derby held significant implications for both teams. 1. FC Köln entered the match 14th in the Bundesliga, seeking to pull away from the relegation zone. Borussia Mönchengladbach sat just two places higher in 12th, aiming to climb into the top half.
The match exploded into action from the very first whistle. Just seconds after kickoff, in the first minute, Köln's Jens Castrop fired home from a Franck Honorat assist. The home crowd erupted, but the lead was short-lived.
Borussia Mönchengladbach responded with blistering pace. In the 4th minute, Said El Mala netted an equalizer for the Foals, assisted by Ísak Bergmann Jóhannesson. Then, in the 7th minute, Ragnar Ache completed a stunning comeback, guiding home a Jakub Kamiński pass to put Gladbach 2-1 ahead.
Köln refused to surrender. Philipp Sander drew the home side level in the 20th minute with a well-taken goal, marking an astonishing four goals within the opening 20 minutes. The first half continued to be an open affair, though no further goals were scored before the break.
At half-time, the 2-2 scoreline reflected a chaotic but thrilling start. Both defenses faced scrutiny, and managers surely called for more composure. The second half promised more drama, and it certainly delivered.
Köln seized the initiative once again in the 60th minute. Jens Castrop scored his second goal of the game, assisted by Yannick Engelhardt. This put the Billy Goats in front for the second time, setting up a tense final half-hour.
The intensity boiled over with a flurry of yellow cards, particularly for Gladbach. Eric Martel, who had been booked earlier, continued to be central to the action. He provided the next crucial twist.
With just six minutes remaining, Eric Martel delivered a dramatic equalizer for Borussia Mönchengladbach in the 84th minute, assisted by Florian Kainz. However, his evening turned sour immediately after. Martel received a second yellow card in the 86th minute for elbowing, resulting in a red card and sending him off.
The final whistle confirmed the 3-3 draw. Gladbach finished with 51% possession and 12 total shots to Köln's 49% possession and 9 shots. Gladbach's xG of 1.55 edged Köln's 1.14, suggesting they created slightly better opportunities.
This captivating result leaves Köln in 14th place with 25 points, while Gladbach remains 12th with 28 points. Both teams will reflect on missed chances and defensive frailties in this high-octane Rhein derby.
