The clash between 1.FC Köln and Schalke 04 in the 2. Bundesliga ended with a narrow victory for the home side, 1-0. The decisive goal came in the first half, just before the 43rd minute mark, showcasing Köln's ability to capitalize on their chances when they materialized. Despite sharing an equal number of corner kicks (four each), Köln's decisive moment made all the difference in a tightly contested affair.

1.FC Köln's aggressive approach was evident in their foul count, recording 16 fouls compared to Schalke's six. This physicality, however, came at a cost, as Köln accumulated three yellow cards throughout the match, indicating a fine line between assertive play and reckless challenges. Nevertheless, their disciplined defensive setup ensured that Schalke couldn't exploit these situations to their advantage.

On the other hand, Schalke's lack of cards may be indicative of a more cautious or less pressuring defensive strategy. However, their failure to convert corner opportunities and create chances was telling. Their single offside call versus Köln's five suggests caution in their forward play, perhaps hindering their offensive threat. In stark contrast, Köln's willingness to challenge the high line occasionally put them in dangerous positions, ultimately proving fruitful with the opening and only goal of the game. This tactical risk, combined with disciplined finishing, was pivotal in their victory.

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