Cologne beat Lautern 4-0 to seal title, promotion | OneFootball

Cologne secure title, promotion in style with 4-0 win over Kaiserslautern

Cologne clinched promotion to Bundesliga with a commanding 4-0 victory against Kaiserslautern on the final day of the season, goals from Eric Martel, Luca Waldschmidt, Florian Kainz, and Mark Uth sealing promotion and - thanks to Hamburg's 3-2 defeat to Greuther Fürth - the Bundesliga 2 title.

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Cologne 4-0 KaiserslauternGoals: 1-0 Martel 14', 2-0 Waldschmidt 29', 3-0 Kainz 76', 4-0 Uth 87'

The stage was set for a momentous occasion at the RheinEnergieStadion as Cologne played host to Kaiserslautern - who had a chance of reaching the promotion play-off place - in a match that could secure the Billy Goats' promotion to the Bundesliga. The atmosphere was electric, with Cologne fans buoyed by their U19 team's championship victory earlier in the day. Despite concerns over the availability of Tim Lemperle due to a recent facial injury, the home side were determined to seize their opportunity and return to the top flight after just one season away.

Cologne's Dominique Heintz is challenged by Lautern's Ragnar Ache. (SF / SF)

Martel and Waldschmidt put Cologne in control

Cologne wasted no time asserting their dominance. In the 14th minute, Martel broke the deadlock, heading home a cross from Leart Paqarada to send the home crowd into raptures. The Billy Goats continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 29th minute when Waldschmidt doubled their lead.

Waldschmidt finished off a brilliant team move, slotting home after being set up by Damion Downs and Denis Huseinbašić. Kaiserslautern struggled to respond, managing only a few half-chances as Cologne took a commanding 2-0 lead into halftime. The visitors' frustration showed when Marlon Ritter received a yellow card in the 45+2 minute.

Eric Martel celebrates his opening goal, which set Cologne on their path to promotion. (IMAGO/UWE KRAFT)

Missed penalty fails to derail Cologne

The second half began with Cologne looking to put the game beyond doubt. They were awarded a penalty in the 56th minute after Filip Kaloc fouled Waldschmidt in the box. However, Waldschmidt's spot-kick was saved by Julian Krahl in the Kaiserslautern goal.

Despite this setback, Cologne maintained their composure and control of the match. The Billy Goats continued to dominate possession and create chances, while Kaiserslautern struggled to mount any significant threat to Marvin Schwäbe's goal. The visitors' task was made harder when Frank Ronstadt received a yellow card in the 70th minute for a foul on Huseinbašić.

Luca Waldschmidt fires home Cologne's second goal, showcasing the attacking prowess that secured their promotion (IMAGO/Ralf Treese/DeFodi Images)

Kainz and Uth seal the deal

As the match entered its final stages, Cologne put the result beyond any doubt. In the 76th minute, Kainz added a third, pouncing on a rebound after Waldschmidt's initial shot was blocked. The icing on the cake came in the 87th minute when substitute Uth, in his final match before retirement, scored to make it 4-0.

Uth, who had come on for Waldschmidt in the 82nd minute, latched onto a pass from the excellent Linton Maina to slot home. The goal sparked emotional scenes both on the pitch and in the stands, as Cologne celebrated not just the victory, but their return to the Bundesliga and their status as Bundesliga 2 champions.

Mark Uth is celebrated by his teammates after scoring Cologne's fourth goal in what was his final match for the club. (IMAGO/Christoph Reichwein)

Player of the Match: Luca Waldschmidt

While several Cologne players shone in this crucial match, Waldschmidt's performance stood out. The forward was a constant threat throughout the game, scoring one goal and being involved in much of Cologne's attacking play. Despite his penalty miss, Waldschmidt's eight shots on goal - the most of any player - demonstrated his relentless drive and contribution to Cologne's dominant display. His goal and overall performance were instrumental in securing the victory that clinched promotion - and the BUndesliga 2 title - for the Billy Goats.

Forward Luca Waldschmidt was invaluable in Cologne's crunch final-day victory. (IMAGO/BEAUTIFUL SPORTS/Axel Kohring)

Bundesliga Match FactsxGoals: Cologne 0.77 - Kaiserslautern 0Fastest player: Not availableLowest goal probability: 1-0 by Eric Martel (Cologne), 23 percentMost pressed player: Not availablePass efficiency: Not available

A jubilant Cologne fan celebrates in the stands, capturing the electric atmosphere at the RheinEnergieStadion as the club secures promotion (SF / SF)

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