Cologne under pressure after derby defeat: Every point counts at Union Berlin

1. FC Cologne enters the final phase of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season with a tight situation. After the 1:2 home defeat against Bayer 04 Leverkusen on 25.04.2026, FC faces an away match with direct table implications on Matchday 32: On Saturday, 02.05.2026 (3:30 p.m.), Cologne will play at Union Berlin.

Tight situation ahead of Matchday 32

After 31 games, Cologne has collected 31 points and is in 14th place. Union Berlin is directly ahead in 13th place, has also played 31 matches, and stands at 32 points. Thus, only one point separates the two teams before the direct duel—a constellation that gives the match special significance, as it directly affects the standings in the lower part of the table.

Form curve: steady yield, but too few wins

The recent run shows that Cologne is currently scoring points regularly but is too rarely rewarded with three points. In the last five Bundesliga games, FC recorded one win, three draws, and one defeat:

• 3:3 against Borussia Mönchengladbach (21.03.2026)
• 2:2 at Eintracht Frankfurt (05.04.2026)
• 3:1 against Werder Bremen (12.04.2026)
• 1:1 at FC St. Pauli (17.04.2026)
• 1:2 against Bayer 04 Leverkusen (25.04.2026)

This pattern fits the overall record after 31 matchdays: 7 wins, 10 draws, and 14 defeats. In total, this is currently enough to keep above the immediate relegation pressure for now—but it also explains why Cologne has not been able to build a lasting run this season that would have brought early calm to the table.

Union match as a benchmark – also with a view to the remaining schedule

The away match in Berlin is not only the next mandatory game for Cologne, but also a direct comparison with the immediate table neighbor. Especially because both teams are almost level, the result can decisively shape the outlook for the last weeks.

For Cologne, two more matches are scheduled after the Union game:

• 10.05.2026 (5:30 p.m.): 1. FC Cologne – 1. FC Heidenheim
• 16.05.2026 (3:30 p.m.): FC Bayern Munich – 1. FC Cologne

The situation makes it clear: Every additional point collected before the season finale can make a difference in the tight table—especially since the last matchdays are usually strongly influenced by direct results and small shifts in goal difference.

Season in numbers: offensive approaches, defensive cost

Cologne has scored 45 goals in 31 games but conceded 53. The goal difference of –8 reflects the season as a balancing act: FC was able to keep games open and high-scoring, but has shown itself too often vulnerable defensively. The highest-scoring example is the 3:4 against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Biggest wins of the season for 1. FC Cologne:

• 4:1 at home against Hamburger SV
• 4:1 at home against SC Freiburg
• 1:0 away at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
• 1:0 away at FSV Mainz 05

At the same time, the overall situation underlines: Such outliers upwards have so far been too rare to noticeably move away from the relegation zone.

Direct comparison of table neighbors: Why the duel is so important

Union Berlin stands at 32 points after 31 games, with a record of 8 wins, 8 draws, and 15 defeats. They have scored 35 and conceded 55 goals (goal difference –20). Cologne is almost level with 31 points and a record of 7 wins, 10 draws, and 14 defeats, but is somewhat more prolific with 45:53 goals.

For Cologne, a clear task can be derived before the match: FC must ideally convert its regular point yield in Berlin into a win in order to overtake Union in the table and secure a better starting position for the last two matchdays.