Koln conceded their first Bundesliga goal of the season as they slipped to a 1-0 loss to Hannover on Wednesday night.
After 360 minutes without being beaten, it took just 5 minutes for Joselu to break the Koln defence and send Die Roten into the lead. A stern performance from Korkut’s side meant the one goal was enough as his side went third in the league and just one point off Leverkusen at the top.
The home side got off to the perfect start as Briand swivelled in the box, saw his shot blocked but fall to Joselu, who swept the ball into the net to send the home fans into ecstasy as they chased their third win from five games.
Koln nearly equalised minutes later though, Osako seeing a shot well saved by Zieler, before Peszko then ballooned a shot over from the edge of the box. Many would’ve had this down as a bore draw after both sides starts to the season, but the early goal meant the game was blown wide open.
Bittencourt went close from a costless-kick for the hosts, before Risse then dragged a shot wide of the left hand post for Koln, as both sides had chances to score early on.
Possession was split but Hannover looked the more exciting going forward, Marcelo going close as he latched onto a Andreason header, but failed to hit the target under pressure.
Die Roten themselves had conceded just once in 180 minutes of football at the HDI Arena, and they looked favourite to extend that run as half-time came without Koln really testing Zieler.
Despite their fantastic defensive record, they had yet to be tested when falling behind, and as the game ticked towards the hour mark, there had been little change going forward, as Ujah and Zoller were brought on in an attempt to level the match.
It was a really impressive effort by Korkut’s side, and Bittencourt went closest to extending the lead when he saw his shot saved well by Horn. The Billy Goats were pressing but were limited to shots from range, substitutes Zoller and Ujah trying their luck but both failed to force Zieler into a save.
Dominic Maroh had the final chance to salvage a point for the Bundesliga new-boys, but Risse’s cross forced him into a tight angle and his header was well saved by Zieler.
The three points sent 96 to within one point of Bayern at the summit, as Koln slipped to ninth with just one win in their opening five games. Hannover travel to winless Stuttgart on Saturday as Koln face the Champions at the RheinEnergieStadion
