Koln 0 : 1 SC Freiburg - Darida delivers for Freiburg

Posted Monday, November 03, 2014 by PA

Freiburg followed the example of Werder Bremen by picking up their first win of the season, defeating Cologne 1-0 at the Mungersdorfer Stadion.

Vladimir Darida scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as Christian Streich's men moved above Borussia Dortmund in the standings, leaving Jurgen Klopp's men occupying an automatic relegation berth.

It was a hard-fought win for Freiburg, who were also successful in the DFB-Pokal in midweek, and Cologne could not match their passion and determination.

The cup win in midweek was a timely boost to Freiburg and their forward Admir Mehmedi, who netted a hat-trick against 1860 Munich to open his account for the season.

The Swiss forward carried that confidence into Sunday's game in Cologne, setting up the best chance of the first half for Darida who, despite having time and room from 20 yards, sent his shot wide of the target.

Yuya Osako wasted Cologne's best chance of the half just before the whistle came when he met Dusan Svento's cross at the near post, but could not turn it inside the post.

Mehmedi gave it another go early in the second half with his cross from the left hitting the arm of Mergim Mavraj and earning Freiburg a penalty.

Darida had the same time and space he had in the first half, only this time he was closer to goal and only had Timo Horn to beat, and he made no mistake, picking his spot in the bottom right-hand corner.

Sebastian Freis had three good chances to increase Freiburg's lead, the best of which he missed in the 72nd minute when Horn somehow managed to trap his shot between his legs, just inches in front of the goal line.

Cologne threw everything forward in search of an equaliser, but their game lacked organisation with balls just pumped forward more in hope than in expectation.

Freiburg were more constructive with the ball, although Oliver Schmid failed to supply the finish to Sascha Riether's cross which would have saved them an anxious wait for the final whistle.

That came only moments after Osako saw his goal ruled out for a clear offside, and after Horn had raced forward for a late corner which did not lead to the desired result for Cologne, just like the whole game.