FC Köln vs Union Berlin Player Ratings: Schäfer's Stoppage-Time Stunner Seals 1-0 Victory

FC Union Berlin snatched all three points from FC Köln right at the end, thanks to a moment of absolute magic from a substitute. The game at RheinEnergieStadion seemed destined for a goalless draw, a result that probably would have been fair given the balance of play.

The entire dynamic of the match shifted in the 82nd minute. Rav van den Berg's red card for a handball was a moment of sheer madness that left his team completely exposed. Until that point, both sides had traded blows without landing a knockout punch. Köln had their moments, particularly through the lively Jakub Kamiński, but FC Union Berlin's defense stood firm.

Then came the decisive moment. In the first minute of stoppage time, substitute András Schäfer picked up the ball outside the box and unleashed a sublime left-footed strike that found the corner of the net. It was a goal worthy of winning any game, and it broke FC Köln hearts. A truly unbelievable finish to a match that simmered for 90 minutes before boiling over dramatically. Here are Sportsdunia's FC Köln vs Union Berlin player ratings.

Jan Thielmann Lone Player with 7.5+ Ratings in FC Köln Player Ratings

Check out the FC Köln player ratings for the FC Köln vs Union Berlin fixture.

Goalkeeper

Marvin Schwäbe - 6.5: He couldn't do anything about the winning goal; it was just a perfect strike. Made a fantastic save to deny Querfeld's header in the second half, which was a top-class stop. Commanded his area well enough and was solid until that unstoppable late hit.

Defenders

Dominique Heintz - 7.0: A really solid performance from the veteran. He was a commanding presence, winning his aerial duels and making a massive nine clearances. His distribution was on point, and he was a key reason Union's attack was frustrated for so long. Subbed off late.

Sebastian Sebulonsen - 6.0: A very busy evening for the defender. He picked up an early yellow card and seemed a bit rash at times. He got forward to support attacks, delivering a few crosses, but his end product was lacking. He also missed a headed chance in the first half.

Kristoffer Lund - 6.5: A quiet but effective game. He made seven clearances and was generally positionally sound. Didn't offer a huge amount going forward, but he stuck to his defensive tasks diligently and didn't make any glaring errors. A steady, if unspectacular, outing.

Rav van den Berg - 4.5: What can you say? He was having an absolutely imperious game, with a staggering 98% pass accuracy and a calm demeanor. Then, a moment of madness. The handball and subsequent red card completely changed the game and ultimately cost his team at least a point. A disastrous end to an otherwise great performance.

Midfielders

Tom Krauß - 6.5: Kept things ticking over nicely in the middle of the park with his high pass completion rate. He worked hard and won his tackles before being substituted. Picked up a yellow card for a cynical foul, showing his willingness to do the dirty work.

Eric Martel - 7.0: A real warrior in midfield. Martel was everywhere, winning eight duels and breaking up play consistently. He was a disruptive force that the Union struggled to bypass. He put in a tremendous shift for his side and didn't deserve to be on the losing team.

Jakub Kamiński - 7.0: Köln's most dangerous attacking threat for much of the game. He had a few shots on target that tested the keeper and was always looking to make something happen. We noticed his constant movement caused problems for the Union defence. A bright spark.

Ísak Jóhannesson - 6.0: Neat and tidy in possession but ultimately too safe. He kept the ball moving but didn't provide the creative spark needed to unlock the Union backline. A decent performance but lacked penetration in the final third.

Jan Thielmann - 7.5: An excellent, all-action display before his substitution. He drew an incredible five fouls, showing how much of a nuisance he was. He also created two chances and was a constant source of energy on the wing. It was a surprise to see him taken off.

Forwards

Ragnar Ache - 5.5: It was a tough night for the striker. He was physically dominated by the Union defenders, losing most of his aerial duels. He squandered a decent chance in the first half and was largely ineffective before being hooked before the hour mark.

Substitutes

Marius Bülter - 6.0: Came on for Ache but couldn't make much more of an impact.

Denis Huseinbasic - 6.0: Brought on to add fresh legs in midfield and did his job without standing out.

Saïd El Mala - N/A: Not enough time to make an impact.

Linton Maina - N/A: Late substitution.

Cenk Özkacar - N/A: Came on late to shore things up after the red card.

Manager

L. Kwasniok - 6.0: His game plan was working perfectly for 82 minutes. His team was solid, compact, and created the better chances. He was undone by an individual error and a moment of brilliance, which is hard to legislate for. His substitutions didn't quite have the desired impact, though.

András Schäfer Came Clutch at the End, earning him 8.5 rating in Union Berlin Player Ratings

Check out the Union Berlin player ratings for the FC Köln vs Union Berlin fixture.

Goalkeeper

Frederik Rönnow - 7.5: A crucial performance to earn his team the clean sheet. He made two key saves, including a sharp stop from Kaminski early on. His handling was secure, and he was a calming presence behind a very solid defensive unit. A well-deserved clean sheet.

Defenders

Diogo Leite - 7.0: Strong, composed, and reliable. He won the majority of his duels and was comfortable on the ball, completing 85% of his passes. He even popped up with a couple of shots from set pieces. A classic, no-nonsense defensive display.

Danilho Doekhi - 7.0: Immense in the air, winning six of his seven aerial battles. He was a rock at the heart of the defence, making crucial clearances and interceptions. His physical presence was a major problem for Köln's forwards all game.

Leopold Querfeld - 8.0: Our highest-rated starter and a colossal figure for Union. He was an absolute monster defensively, with nine clearances and six aerials won. He was unlucky not to score with a powerful header that forced a brilliant save. A truly dominant performance at the back.

Midfielders

Aljoscha Kemlein - 6.0: A mixed bag for the youngster. He worked tirelessly but missed a golden opportunity from close range that he should have buried. He also picked up a booking. There's potential there, but his final action let him down.

Rani Khedira - 6.5: Did a lot of the unseen dirty work in front of the defence. He made six clearances and was positionally disciplined. He didn't offer much on the ball, but his defensive screening was important in keeping Köln at bay.

Christopher Trimmel - 7.5: The captain was a huge creative outlet before being subbed. His crossing was a constant threat, creating two big chances, including the one for Querfeld's header. He picked up a tactical yellow but led by example with his attacking intent.

Derrick Köhn - 7.0: A very solid performance on the left flank. He was diligent in his defensive duties and supported the attack well, creating two chances and delivering some dangerous crosses. A balanced and impressive showing.

Forwards

Oliver Burke - 5.0: From our perspective, he was just completely ineffective. He struggled to hold up the ball, won only one of his nine duels, and offered no real threat. It was no surprise when he was substituted. A performance to forget.

Ilyas Ansah - 5.5: Showed a bit of energy and drew a few fouls, but his overall impact was minimal. He was caught offside and gave the ball away too often. Lacked the quality needed in the final third and was subbed.

Woo-yeong Jeong - 6.0: Looked busy and got into a great position for a chance he missed in the first half. However, he faded out of the game and lost possession too frequently. Not his most influential day at the office.

Substitutes

András Schäfer - 8.5: The hero of the day. Came on, picked up a yellow card, and then scored an absolutely sensational winner from outside the box. It was a moment of pure individual brilliance that decided the match. The definition of a super sub and our Man of the Match.

Livan Burcu - 6.0: Added some energy after coming on but didn't have a decisive impact.

Andrej Ilic - 6.0: Brought on to provide a different option up front.

Tim Skarke - 6.5: Looked lively and helped set up a chance late on.

Josip Juranovic - 6.5: Replaced Trimmel and provided defensive stability.

Manager

S. Baumgart - 7.5: His team struggled to create for long periods, and his starting forwards were poor. However, he deserves immense credit for his game-winning substitution. Bringing on András Schäfer was a masterstroke that directly won his team the match. He saw a problem and fixed it decisively.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match Goes to András Schäfer