FC Regensburg relegated to third division - despite draw in Cologne

After a draw at 1. FC Köln, SSV Jahn Regensburg has become the first team to be relegated from the 2. Bundesliga. A hard-fought 1-1 (0-0) draw with the promotion hopefuls sealed the end of the season for the bottom-placed team, who had only achieved promotion back to the German lower house last year, two games before the end of the season.

The draw meant Cologne missed the chance to reclaim the lead from Hamburger SV (56 points) and put themselves in a better position in the promotion race. However, as second in the table (55 points), Cologne still has everything in their own hands. However, their lead over the relegation play-off spot, occupied by SC Paderborn, is only three points.

In front of 49,500 spectators in the Cologne stadium, Tim Lemperle scored his tenth goal of the season in the 59th minute to give the hosts the lead. Noah Ganaus equalized for the visitors in the 76th minute, scoring the Upper Palatinate club's first away goal since February.

The home team dominated the game from the start, but were too inoffensive and sloppy in the final third. Despite several chances, the final pass was rarely on target. Regensburg held up well and made a mark with a few counterattacks. FC goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe made saves from Sebastian Ernst (19th minute) and Noah Ganaus (45+3). At halftime, the Cologne fans hooted their team off to the dressing room.

After the restart, Lemperle rescued FC when he headed the Billy Goats' 14th shot into the net following a cross from Luca Waldschmidt. A short time later, however, Schwäbe also had to dig in: Ganaus's header from a cross initially beat the goalkeeper, but then pushed the rebound over the line from close range. In the closing stages, Cologne pushed in vain for the winner.

RND/dpa