# FC Köln Beats VfB Bochum 1-0 to Secure Relegation from Bundesliga
In a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats, FC Köln managed to secure their place in the Bundesliga with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over VfB Bochum on Saturday afternoon. The match, which was fraught with drama, ended with Köln staying in the league after a tense final game.
## Match Summary
The game was a nail-biter from the first whistle, with both teams fighting for survival in the Bundesliga. FC Köln, who had been struggling towards the bottom of the table, came into the match with everything on the line. VfB Bochum, also battling to avoid relegation, provided a tough opponent for Köln.
The scoreline was 0-0 at halftime, but the second half saw the visitors take control. In the 57th minute, Anthony Modeste, who had been a key figure for Köln this season, broke the deadlock with a clinical finish. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures, but Bochum refused to back down. They pressed hard for an equalizer, throwing everything into attack, but Köln’s defense held firm.
## Key Moments
- **First Goal:** Anthony Modeste’s strike in the 57th minute was the pivotal moment of the match. The forward, who had been struggling in front of goal, delivered a decisive finish that put Köln ahead.
- **Controversy:** In the 78th minute, the referee made a controversial decision to wave off a clear penalty claim from Bochum after a foul by Köln’s defender. The decision sparked protests from the away fans but did not sway the outcome.
- **Final Moments:** As the clock ticked down, Bochum poured forward in search of an equalizer, but Köln’s backline stood firm. The final whistle blew with Köln celebrating their narrow victory.
## Reactions
FC Köln’s players celebrated wildly after the final whistle, aware of the significance of the win. Anthony Modeste, speaking to reporters, said:
“Today, we showed belief and fought until the last drop of blood. This win means everything for us. We’ve secured our place in the Bundesliga, and I’m proud of my team.”
VfB Bochum’s manager, however, was left to rue what might have been. “We created chances, but we didn’t take them. FC Köln is a team that knows how to win close games, and we paid the price for our mistakes.”
## Impact
This victory is a huge relief for FC Köln, who were staring relegation in the face just a few weeks ago. The win ensures they remain in the Bundesliga for another season, but the team will need to build on this performance next season.
For VfB Bochum, the result is a bitter pill to swallow. They had been fighting for survival all season, but this loss leaves them on the edge of the relegation zone. The Bochum faithful will now hope for a miracle in the relegation playoffs to avoid dropping down to the second tier.
In a match full of emotion, FC Köln’s 1-0 win over VfB Bochum will be remembered as a moment of triumph, even in the face of relegation. The Bundesliga race has another chapter to unfold, but for Köln, this victory is a step toward rebuilding and moving forward.