1. FC Köln triumphed over Hertha Berlin in the third round of the DFB-Pokal, advancing to the quarter-finals for the first time in 14 years after a match that extended into extra time.
The match began with Köln's Tim Lemperle missing a scoring opportunity just one minute in, followed by another missed chance from Denis Huseinbašić shortly thereafter. Defensively, Köln's Julian Pauli also missed a header from a corner kick within the first ten minutes.
In the 10th minute, Köln conceded a penalty due to a foul by Julian Pauli, allowing Ibrahim Maza to score by placing the ball in the left corner.
Köln quickly responded, tying the game in the 30th minute with an own goal from Hertha's Florian Niederlechner following a corner kick.
After Hertha's Zeefuik received a red card in the 25th minute for headbutting Timo Hübers, Köln capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Max Finkgräfe hitting the crossbar in the 34th minute and Linton Maina narrowly missing the goal in the 38th minute.
In the second half, Köln's Marvin Schwäbe saved a rare shot from Hertha in the 53rd minute, while Toni Leistner nearly scored an own goal during an attempted interception.
Köln continued to apply pressure as substitutes Luca Waldschmidt and Leart Paqarada entered the match. A crucial defensive block from Leistner denied another scoring attempt by Tim Lemperle in the 74th minute.
In extra time, Dejan Ljubicic missed an open goal in the 100th minute, but Köln maintained their offensive push, with Waldschmidt's strike just missing the target shortly afterward.
Hertha's goalkeeper, Tjark Ernst, made two significant saves in a minute against attempts from Timo Hübers and Dejan Ljubicic as the match approached its conclusion.
The decisive moment came in the 118th minute when Florian Kainz was fouled in the penalty area, leading to a penalty kick for Köln. Dejan Ljubicic successfully converted the penalty, redeeming himself after his earlier miss.
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