Derby match between Fortuna Düsseldorf and Cologne ends in a 1-1 draw.

Fortuna Duesseldorf prepares for their derby clash against Koeln, anticipating a repeat win. Goal equalizer against 1.FC Koeln has boosted their confidence.

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2025 September 13 . 9:15 AM

2 min read

Derby between Fortuna Düsseldorf and Cologne ends in a draw with a score of 1-1.

Derby match between Fortuna Düsseldorf and Cologne ends in a 1-1 draw.

In a thrilling derby match at the Merkur Spiel-Arena, Fortuna Düsseldorf and 1.FC Cologne battled it out for supremacy. The first half ended scoreless, with Cologne starting offensively while Fortuna Düsseldorf remained passive.

The coach of Fortuna Düsseldorf, Daniel Thioune, made changes to the starting lineup, with Shinta Appelkamp and Dzenan Pejcinovic starting instead of Jona Niemiec and Moritz-Broni Kwarteng. Despite being passive, Fortuna Düsseldorf managed to keep Cologne from scoring during the first half, thanks in part to the impressive saves by goalkeeper Florian Kastenmeier.

The second half saw a change in Fortuna Düsseldorf's fortunes, with Thioune making substitutions in the final phase, bringing on Niemiec, Vincent Vermeij, and Andre Hoffmann. With the personnel change, Fortuna Düsseldorf gained more offensive control.

The turning point came in the 67th minute when Linton Maina scored for Cologne, assisted by Maina on the left wing. However, Fortuna Düsseldorf responded just before the end of the derby, with Jonas Jóhannesson scoring the equalizer from the penalty spot, after Timo Hübners committed a handball in the penalty area, resulting in a penalty for Fortuna Düsseldorf. Marvin Schwābe guessed the wrong corner for the penalty, allowing Jóhannesson to score.

The match was far from over, with both teams creating chances. Linton Maina attempted a shot at goal in the 18th minute, but it was saved by Kastenmeier. Dejan Ljubicic of Cologne also attempted a shot at goal in the 23rd minute, but it was saved by Kastenmeier once again. Danny Schmidt had a dangerous header in the 84th minute, which was saved by the crossbar.

In the end, the match ended in a draw, with both teams taking a point each. Fortuna Düsseldorf's next game in the 2. Bundesliga is at home against Greuther Fürth on February 28th at 6:30 PM. The Merkur Spiel-Arena will host this exciting encounter, as both teams look to build on their respective performances in the derby.