🔥 XXL display and clouds of smoke: Köln fans let off flares before kick-off | OneFootball

The Cologne fans are really fired up for the Bundesliga clash against Bayern, as was already evident shortly before kickoff. It felt like the entire Cologne Südkurve had brought pyrotechnics. There was also a huge banner on display that read "Fightclub." 

However, the lighting of the flares had consequences, as referee Patrick Ittrich had to interrupt the match a short time later. The smoke had made the field so foggy that it would have been difficult for the TV cameras and the VAR to capture any images. 

📸 Lars Baron - 2026 Getty Images

After more than nine minutes, play was able to resume and the ball was rolling again in Cologne. 

Shortly before halftime, there was plenty for the Billy Goats to celebrate. Linton Maina scored for Cologne after a solo run to give them the lead (41’). Serge Gnabry, however, quickly silenced the Rhein-Energie-Stadion with his equalizer not long after (45’+5). 

How do you think the game will end today? What do you think? Feel free to share your opinion in the comments. 

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 INA FASSBENDER - AFP or licensors