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René Wagner's team Köln drew with St. Pauli after a tense match, equalizing through a penalty by Luca Waldschmidt. Wagner praised his goalkeeper for a vital save that helped secure the point.
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âIt wasnât easyâ: RenĂ© Wagner reacts to cagey affair against St. Pauli
Köln were forced to settle for a point on Friday evening after falling behind to Karol Mets, only for the defender to later hand Die GeiĂböcke a route back into the match by bringing down Jakub KamiĆski in the box. Luca Waldschmidt converted from the spot to ensure RenĂ© Wagnerâs side avoided defeat.
Wagner highlighted the importance of his goalkeeperâs contribution, particularly a crucial save to deny Andreas Hountondji midway through the first half:
âWe got into the game well in the first 10 minutes, but then relied too much on long balls. Overall, we defended solidly. Marvin made a really important save.â
Köln struggled to establish control before the break, with St. Pauliâs high press isolating their forwards and forcing a direct approach that proved largely ineffective:
âWe didnât manage to keep the ball up front in the first half. We lacked control and structure completely. That wasnât the plan at all,â Wagner admitted.
After St. Pauli eventually made their pressure count in the second half, Wagner was pleased with his teamâs resilience in responding to going behind:
âThen we conceded after the break. But a big compliment to my team - we showed character again and found a way back into the game.â
Alexander Blessinâs side continued to limit space and frustrate Köln, executing their game plan effectively - something Wagner was quick to acknowledge:
âThe opponent defended superbly and kept the spaces very tight. It was extremely difficult for us to find solutions today.â
Ultimately, Kölnâs persistence paid off as Waldschmidtâs penalty - won by KamiĆski - earned a valuable point, with Wagner singling out the Polish winger for special praise:
âHeâs an incredibly important player for us. Kuba gives everything for the team every single week.â
Köln and St. Pauli ended the match in a 1-1 draw.
Luca Waldschmidt scored the penalty for Köln after Jakub KamiĆski was fouled.
Wagner noted that while the team started well, they relied too much on long balls and highlighted the importance of a crucial save by the goalkeeper.

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