FC Köln Defeats Union Berlin 5-0 in DFB-Pokal Match

Union Berlin captain Rani Khedira stated after the match, After halftime we totally lost the thread. That was truly a non-performance, for that we can only apologize to the fans. FC Köln defeated Union Berlin 5–0 in the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, bouncing back from a scoreless league draw against S04, according to sportschau.de.

Köln Dominates First Half and Breaks Deadlock

The match at the RheinEnergieStadion began with Union Berlin pressing high up the pitch to force early turnovers. That tactical choice left large gaps in the visitor’s defense, which Köln’s fast wingers exploited immediately. After 25 minutes, Linton Maina hit the right goalpost following a pass from Said El Mala. Union responded with a 20-meter shot by Michel Aebischer that missed the target, while Köln goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe saved a header from Zeno van Den Bosch. Köln maintained nearly 70 percent possession. In the 32nd minute, Maina set up El Mala, who struck from a semi-left position to give the hosts a 1–0 lead.

Maina and El Mala Overwhelm Berlin Defense

Union coach Mauro Lustrinelli substituted left-back Tom Rothe at halftime, bringing on Derrick Köhn to match Köln’s pace. Christopher Skarke hit the side netting for Berlin shortly after the restart, marking the visitors’ first real threat of the second period. In the 51st minute, Maina intercepted a misplaced pass from Köhn and raced forward before passing to El Mala, who unselfishly set up Maina for the second goal. Ten minutes later, El Mala dribble-penetrated past van Den Bosch on the right side and shot into the top left corner to make it 3–3—oh, make it 3–0.

Late Goals Seal the 5–0 Defeat

Substitute Livan Burcu forced a defensive block from Sebastian Sebulonsen as Berlin attempted to reply. Köln responded by introducing Jan Thielmann, who immediately assisted Marvin Bülter. Bülter squared the ball to Isak Johannesson for a simple finish in the 78th minute to extend the lead to 4–0. In the 88th minute, substitute Reigan Heskey laid the ball off to Sebulonsen, who drove a low shot into the bottom left corner for the 5–0 final score.

Next Meeting at the Alte Försterei

Both teams face each other again in the Bundesliga on Sunday afternoon at 15:30 at the Stadion an der Alten Försterei in Berlin. Khedira noted regarding the quick turnaround: We have to tick this off quickly. Over the weekend the same opponent comes, then at home. There we have to put things back on the field differently.