Europe here we come!

Incredible! TSG secured their spot in Europe next season with a last-gasp strike! The match remained even for long periods before Köln took the lead through Leonardo Bittencourt in the 58th minute. But Kerem Demirbay’s 93rd minute goal rescued a point for TSG and ensured that they will be competing in Europe next season.

Personnel and tactics:

Julian Nagelsmann was spoilt for choice before this encounter, having almost the entire squad available to choose from. Only Benni Hübner was not an option as he was forced to serve a suspension for picking up too many yellow cards. Ermin Bicakcic replaced him alongside Kevin Vogt and Niklas Süle in the back three in front of goalkeeper Oli Baumann. Jeremy Toljan started on the right as he had against Gladbach whilst Steven Zuber was on the opposite side. Sebastian Rudy and Kerem Demirbay were sent to control the middle of the park. Nagelsmann also made no changes to his forward line with Sandro Wagner and Andrej Kramaric starting up top alongside Adam Szalai.

Pavel Kaderabek was back in the squad after a long injury lay-off but remained on the bench. Nagelsmann made his first change of the night just short of the hour mark as Nadiem Amiri replaced Andrej Kramaric. Mark Uth then came on for Adam Szalai following the opening goal from Bittencourt. The Bundesliga’s youngest coach had his final throw of the dice in the 72^nd minute when he brought on Lukas Rupp for Jeremy Toljan.