Union Berlin 1-1 FC Cologne – a level-finished Bundesliga encounter.

The Bundesliga clash took place on 1 November 2026 at Union Berlin’s home ground, Stadion An der Alten Försterei in Berlin. Both sides entered the match looking to secure points, and the atmosphere was typical of a tightly contested league fixture.

How it unfolded

The opening stages were dominated by Union Berlin, who struck early. In the 10th minute Janik Haberer opened the scoring for the hosts, converting a very close-range right-footed effort after a precise pass from Tim Skarke. The goal gave Union Berlin a 1-0 lead and set the tone for the first half.

The game’s physical edge became evident in the second half. Zeno Van Den Bosch received a yellow card in the 37th minute for a bad foul, marking the first booking of the match. Just before the break, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey of FC Cologne was cautioned in added time of the first half (45'+1") for a similar infringement.

The second half opened with further disciplinary action. Paul Okon-Engstler was booked for FC Cologne in the 53rd minute, followed immediately by a caution for Union Berlin’s Kastriot Imeri in the 54th minute. Both players were shown yellow cards, but the match remained evenly balanced.

Linton Maina added to Cologne’s tally of cautions in the 69th minute, again for a bad foul. Union Berlin then saw two rapid bookings: Aljoscha Kemlein was booked in the 76th minute and Derrick Köhn a minute later in the 77th, each for bad fouls.

The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute when FC Cologne equalised. Malek El Mala netted a left-footed close-range shot to the high centre of the goal, finishing a corner that had been delivered by Alessio Castro-Montes. The goal restored parity at 1-1 and the score held until the final whistle.

Standout performers

  • Janik Haberer (Union Berlin) – scored the opening goal in the 10th minute, providing Union Berlin with an early advantage.
  • Malek El Mala (FC Cologne) – equalised in the 79th minute, securing a point for the visitors.
  • Tim Skarke (Union Berlin) – supplied the assist for Haberer’s goal, contributing directly to the home side’s early lead.
  • Alessio Castro-Montes (FC Cologne) – delivered the corner that led to El Mala’s equaliser, playing a key part in Cologne’s comeback.

Match facts

  • Final score: 1. FC Union Berlin 1-1 FC Cologne
  • Scorers: Janik Haberer (10') – Union Berlin; Malek El Mala (79') – FC Cologne
  • Bookings:
    • Zeno Van Den Bosch (Union Berlin) – 37' (bad foul)
    • Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (FC Cologne) – 45'+1' (bad foul)
    • Paul Okon-Engstler (FC Cologne) – 53'
    • Kastriot Imeri (Union Berlin) – 54'
    • Linton Maina (FC Cologne) – 69' (bad foul)
    • Aljoscha Kemlein (Union Berlin) – 76' (bad foul)
    • Derrick Köhn (Union Berlin) – 77' (bad foul)
  • Venue: Stadion An der Alten Försterei, Berlin

What it means

The 1-1 draw leaves both Union Berlin and FC Cologne with a point each from the Bundesliga fixture, reflecting a balanced contest where each side managed to find the net once while navigating a game that featured several cautions.