No derby joy for the Werkself

"I can't explain how we can play like that in such an important match," said a disappointed Bernd Leno after the final whistle. "You never felt we got going today."

Head coach Heiko Herrlich make two changes from the Gladbach game: Skipper Lars Bender (groin) was replaced by Tin Jedvaj on the right of the defence. And Kevin Volland dropped out late from the squad - albeit for a very good reason: The number 31 and his wife expected the birth of their first child on Sunday afternoon and Volland was in the hospital for the arrival of his daughter. "There are more important things than playing football," said Herrlich on resting Volland who was replaced by Julian Brandt in the starting eleven. 

The Werkself coach had to manage without Stefan Kießling who was sidelined with a bout of flu. In contrast, Charles Aránguiz had recovered from calf problems in the week.  FC Köln striker Simon Terodde was ruled out with injury. 3,200 Werkself fans supported their team at the sold-out RheinEnergie Stadium on matchday 27 that the DFL staged under the motto 'Put an end to prejudice'.

Osako scores early

Köln made the better start. Leonardo Bittencourt tested Bernd Leno with a shot from the edge of the box on six minutes. And the hosts took an early  lead just three minutes: Yuyu Osako was put through on the edge of the penalty area by Bittencourt, Wendell slipped and was unable to prevent the Japanese striker from firing in a shot from ten yards out. Leno got his hand to the ball but was unable to keep it out.

FC were livelier and more determined in challenges - with the Werkself unable to get going. Bayer 04 had their first chance through Alario on 26 minutes. However, his header from seven yards out was misdirected and did not pose a threat to the FC keeper Timo Horn. The hosts hit back straight away with a dangerous counter-attack - it was fortunate that Aránguiz headed clear a cross from Bittencourt as Marcel Risse was about to strike.

Alario sees red

The situation then became even more difficult for the Werkself who were unable to impose themselves on the game: Referee Harm Osmers made use of VAR  area to confirm that Alario had struck the FC Köln defender Dominic Maroh and he showed the Argentinian the red card on 32 minutes. Bayer 04 were now down to ten men and Köln pressed for the second goal with the impressive Bittencourt constantly posing a threat on the left flank. In added time in the first half, Simon Zoller just failed to connect with one of his crosses.

Brandt has chance to level

Heiko Herrlich reacted at half-time by bringing on Benjamin Henrichs and Joel Pohjanpalo for Tin Jedvaj and Julian Baumgartlinger for the second 45. And the Werkself looked determined and they produced pressure straightaway with Brandt having a good chance to score - Horn saved the shot from a tight angle by the Germany international on 47 minutes. Bayer 04 continued to press and Horn was in the right place to deny Leon Bailey on 49 minutes. 

Zoller settles result

With a man less on the pitch, Bayer 04 showed greater determination and were more alert than in the first half and were initially on top. However, the hosts remained dangerous on the break with the extra man and the match developed into an exciting derby played at pace. FC made the most of Aránguiz giving the ball away with his header back to Leno falling short. Zoller intercepted and he lobbed the ball over the advancing over Leno before forcing the ball over the line with his knee to make it 2-0 on 69 minutes.

That settled the result. Bayer 04 did try to fight back but shots from Sven Bender (72') and Henrichs (87') missed the target. Köln were able to secure a deserved home win.

The Bundesliga now takes a break with the impending international fixtures and Bayer 04 are using this time for a friendly. Second division VfL Bochum are the visitors at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Thursday 22 March. There is free entry and the match kicks off at 15.00 CET. Herrlich's team is back in action in the Bundesliga on Easter Saturday with a home match against FC Augsburg. The kick-off for the game at the BayArena on matchday 28 is at 15.30 CET on 31 March.

Match stats:

FC Köln: Horn - Jorge Meré, Maroh, Heintz, Hector - Koziello, Höger (Özcan 59') - Risse, Osako, Bittencourt (Clemens 71') - Zoller (Pizarro 79')

Bayer 04: Leno – Jedvaj (Henrichs 46'), Tah, S. Bender, Wendell – Baumgartlinger (Pohjanpalo 46'), Aránguiz – Brandt, Havertz, Bailey (Bellarabi 74') – Alario

Goals: 1-0 Osako (9'), 2-0 Zoller (69')

Referee: Harm Osmers (Hannover)

Booked: Höger, Heintz, Bittencourt - Wendell, Bailey

Sent off: Alario (32')

Attendance: 50,000 (sell-out)