FC earn point against Bremen

On the 15th match day of the season, 1. FC Köln played out a 0-0 draw against high-flying Werder Bremen. A capacity crowd of 50,000 at the 'RheinEnergieStadion' saw the home side have less of the play but the better chances on the day.

Bremen put the pressure on

There were two changes made to the starting eleven for the clash with Werder Bremen compared to the side that started against Bochum in last weekend's 0-0 draw, with Thomas Kessler filling in between the posts for the injured Faryd Mondragon (thigh problem) and Taner Yalcin making way for Lukas Podolski, who returned from suspension.

Early on in the game, the proceedings took on the sort of direction that many had expected, with the visitors controlling the play. FC had less of the possession but, despite facing the best defence in the league, managed to create few although very promising chances. In the 13th minute, Christopher Schorch narrowly failed to connect with a Petit free-kick delivery. Just a minute later, Milivoje Novakovic slid in to meet a Podolski pass but turned the ball just wide of the post. Bremen themselves could have broken the deadlock as both Hugo Almeida (25') and Marko Marin (32') went close. With Adil Chihi (36') missing with an effort from twelve meters out in the closing phase of the first period, the teams went in at half time locked in a goalless draw.

More of the same!

FC again had the first chance on goal after the re-start. Chihi and Maniche combined to set Novakovic on his way, but the Köln striker was beaten to the ball by Werder keeper Mielitz. Just on the hour mark, Kessler had to be alert to clear from Almeida following a mistake by Pezzoni.

Both sides continued to create chances – Tim Borowski (63') heading against the post at one end and Lukas Podolski driving a volley just over the crossbar at the other (77'). With just minutes to go, Petit had the best chance of the game, taking on a pass from Chihi, but the Portuguese midfielder put his shot wide of the right post and, in the end, a hard working FC had to settle for a 0-0 draw against a strong Werder Bremen side.

The game at a glance:

1. FC Köln: Kessler - Schorch, Geromel, Mohamad, Ehret (46' McKenna) - Petit, Pezzoni, Maniche (78' Freis) - Chihi, Novakovic, Podolski

Werder Bremen: Mielitz - Fritz, Mertesacker, Naldo, Boenisch - Frings - Jensen, Borowski - Hunt - Hugo Almeida (70' Rosenberg), Marin

Goals: -

Attendance: 50,000

Referee: Dr. Drees

Yellow cards: Mohamad, Schorch, Petit, Maniche/Naldo, Boenisch, Frings