Hanke spurns chance to grab late winner as strong U23s are held by Köln

It developed into a fast-paced and end-to-end affair in the opening stages. Both teams played attractive and high-quality Regionalliga football. Although the hosts had slightly more of the game to begin with, none of the teams initially carved out a real scoring chance. The first clear-cut opportunity was created by BVB in the 18th minute, when Beyhan Ametov was clean through on the Köln goalkeeper. But his attempt to square the ball to Gianluca Rizzo was cleared for a corner. Had it not been, the ball would have almost certainly ended up in the net.

BVB had more control over the game in the period that followed and created their next good chance on the 25-minute mark, with Rizzo heading a cross from Chato inches wide. BVB continued to up the pressure and created what had been up until that point their best chance in the 37th minute, when Denzeil Boadu emerged unmarked in front of Müller but was kept out by the home goalkeeper. As the first half drew to a close BVB got their reward for a good first-half display when the excellent Rizzo forced the ball over the line after being set up by Massimo Ornatelli.

The Black & Yellows started the second period in the same manner in which they ended the first, with some attractive attacking football characterising the opening minutes. But by this point the hosts were slightly more offensive-minded and managed to draw level following a 54th-minute corner. Roman Prokoph sent an unstoppable header past Reckert in the BVB goal. In the wake of the rather fortuitous equaliser, Köln were in the ascendancy and posed a threat from set-pieces. With the match fast coming to an end, Philipp Hanke was presented with a clear opportunity to grab a late winner but he was denied by goalkeeper Müller and it finished all-square at 1-1.

BVB face their final league match of the season next week. They will host Bonner SC at 14:00 CET on Sunday.
Timo Lammert