Strikers firing Cologne to Bundesliga | OneFootball

Star strikers back on the scoresheet in time for Cologne's project Bundesliga

After several workman-like performances in recent weeks, Cologne's forward line was on top form against Preußen Münster at the weekend. With only their own wastefulness in front of goal denying them a larger victory, the 3-1 win should give them plenty of confidence as they aim to return to the Bundesliga in the final weeks of the campaign.

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As we approach the climax of the 2024/25 Bundesliga 2 campaign, Cologne appear to have rekindled their offensive edge. At relegation-threatened Münster, the Billy Goats were only fleetingly in danger of departing empty-handed as they moved to the top of the table, scoring more than twice in a game for the first time in 2025.

It was Cologne's attacking trio that were responsible for this impressive win, with Tim Lemperle, Damion Downs and Luca Waldschmidt all finding the back of the net. The former two, in particular, were a constant threat for the Preußen backline in what was the first game in half a year in which they were both part of the starting XI. Over the next few weeks, their partnership could be Cologne's trump card in the battle for promotion.

"That was a lot of fun. We played attractive, attacking football and were able to create plenty of chances. I could have scored one or two more myself," exclaimed Downs after the final whistle.

Throughout the 90 minutes, Münster were rarely able to find an answer to the problems caused by Downs and Lemperle. "Me and Tim don't need to say much to each other. We give each other tips every now and again, but it is quite simply very fun and easy to play with him. You saw that today," Downs said. The home team could only thank goalkeeper Johannes Schenk that the final score was not more damning.

From the off, Dominique Heintz and Eric Martel looked to fire balls in behind the Münster defence, while Waldschmidt and Florian Kainz later took on more initiative and created dangerous situations through the middle. Clearly, Cologne have the attacking quality to make it difficult for every team in the division.

On Matchday 30, Cologne showed the final-third qualities of a team capable of playing amongst the elite, having ground out results in previous matches. It seems that they could be realising their full potential at exactly the right time.

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