(Bundesliga 2022/2023): Highlights Kõln - Leipzig

Before kick-off, a meeting of two old friends. Leipzig's Marco Roser and Köln's Stefan Baumgart, both of whose sides were unbeaten in 2023, but with Leipzig keen to put pressure on Bayern in the title race. Their friendship on hold till the final whistle. Both are drawn with record champions Bayern after the winter break and were full of confidence. Leipzig had the better chances in the early phase. Marvin Schweber in his 40th Bundesliga game denied Andre Silva an opening goal, much to Marco Roser's distaste. It was Leipzig again who, after the half hour, went close. Timo Werner, who'd scored the opening goal in the reverse fixture, which ended two apiece, was frustrated to find the Billy Goats shotstopper in his way, as Köln defended resolutely. Just before halftime, Köln's timing and tenacity in their tackling nearly paid dividends. After captain Jonas Hector won the ball, former Leipzig player Benno Schmitz supplied Linton Miner with a shooting opportunity. He had Yanis Blazic beaten, but not the upright. And Dejan Ljubicic could also only find the frame of the goal with his follow-up. It was all square at the break, but it could have been different were it not for the woodwork. After the restart, though, Leipzig thought that they'd gone in front. There was a moment of great tenacity from Werner and Silva as the two combined to keep the ball in and steer it home after Jeff Chappell's attempted clearance. But André Silva was offside in the build-up, so the goal was disallowed. Very much to the relief and joy of the home fans. Both sides look capable of scoring. Leipzig, the counter-attack specialists, had their work cut out for them as Köln underlined their hard-running reputation, foiling them at every turn. The last decent effort fell to Benjamin Hennewisch on 77 minutes. His shot was deflected over. At the final whistle, friendly relations were restored as both teams stayed unbeaten in 2023 and collected a well-deserved point.