FC Koln produced a dramatic comeback to defeat Hoffenheim 3-2 in their Bundesliga opener at the RheinEnergieStadion, earning just their second league victory in their last 15 matches stretching back to last season.
Hoffenheim started brightly and took the lead before the half-hour mark when debutant Adam Daghim fired past Marvin Schwäbe after being set up by Bambasé Conté.
FC Koln had chances to level before the break, with Said El Mala denied from close range by Oliver Baumann.
The hosts came out strongly after half-time and drew level when El Mala cut inside before his effort took a deflection and found the bottom corner.
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Hoffenheim regained the advantage midway through the second half after Jahmai Simpson-Pusey brought down Conté in the box. Max Moerstedt stepped up for the visitors but saw his penalty saved by Schwäbe.
Hoffenheim eventually restored their lead through Ozan Kabak, who headed in Vladimír Coufal’s corner with a powerful finish.
FC Koln refused to surrender and levelled again when substitute Linton Maina delivered for Thijs Dallinga to sweep home on his Bundesliga debut.
Dallinga then completed the turnaround, reacting quickly to a loose ball inside the box before firing home his second goal to seal a memorable 3-2 victory.
The result gives FC Koln their fourth opening-day Bundesliga win in their last five seasons, while Hoffenheim missed the opportunity to record three consecutive victories in their opening top-flight matches for the first time in the club’s history.
