1. FC Köln defeated Hamburger SV 4:1 in a Bundesliga promoted teams' clash. The match featured a record VAR interruption, two red cards, and five goals. It marked Köln's first home win against HSV in nine years.
In Rhein-Energie-Stadion before 50,000 fans, the two promoted teams battled for points. 1. FC Köln prevailed, leaving HSV disappointed in the relegation fight.
Midweek cup games preceded: HSV won controversially on penalty in Heidenheim, Köln lost 1:4 to FC Bayern. Coach Lukas Kwasniok made five lineup changes, Merlin Polzin four. Florian Kainz started for the first time and shot just wide in the 7th minute.
HSV erred first: Albert Lokonga's slip led to Ragnar Ache's 1:0 (24.), his first Bundesliga goal. Jean-Luc Dompé was stopped by Köln keeper Marvin Schwäbe (34.). After halftime, Lokonga missed (46.), before Kainz curled a free kick for 2:0 (48.).
An HSV goal was disallowed after a six-minute VAR review (50.). Dompé scored 2:1 (61.). HSV pushed, but offside denied equality. Substitute Immanuel Pherai received yellow-red after 42 seconds on the pitch (78./78.+42s), Fábio Vieira followed for protesting (82.).
Despite being down to nine, Köln countered: Said El Mala for 3:1 (90.+4), Jakub Kaminski for 4:1 (90.+7). Köln nears European spots, HSV misses a statement.