Bundesliga
Cologne returned to winning ways with a ruthless attacking display against Hamburg, with four different goalscorers on target for the hosts against a HSV side that were significantly depleted by the game's end.
Cologne 4-1 HamburgGoals: 1-0 Ache 25’, 2-0 Kainz 48’, 2-1 Dompé 61’, 3-1 S. El Mala 90+4’ (assist: Kamiński), 4-1 Kamiński (90+9’)Red cards: Pherai 79’, Vieira 83’
Prior to this encounter, last season's two promoted sides had experienced contrasting early-season fortunes. With 11 points from eight matches, Cologne had made a promising start to life back in the Bundesliga. Hamburg, meanwhile, were still seeking their first away win of the campaign.
The Billy Goats started brightly, controlling possession and creating the first real chance when Florian Kainz fired narrowly wide after seven minutes.
Cologne's early dominance was rewarded in the 25th minute when a slip by Sambi Lokonga sparked a lightning-quick attack. Kainz saw his shot blocked by Luka Vušković, while Linton Maina's follow-up was cleared off the line, only for Ache to pounce and smash home from close range.
Hamburg struggled to respond, though Jean-Luc Dompé did force Marvin Schwäbe into a save with a curling effort just before half-time.
The home side doubled their lead just three minutes after the restart. Kainz stepped up to take a free-kick on the edge of the box and curled a sumptuous right-footed effort beyond goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes.
Hamburg thought they had pulled one back shortly after when Fábio Vieira found the net, but after a VAR check, the goal was disallowed for a foul by Rayan Philippe on Eric Martel.
The Red Shorts did manage to reduce the deficit in the 61st minute when Jean-Luc Dompé cut inside from the left and curled a delightful shot into the far corner past Schwäbe, the French forward marking his 100th appearance for the club with his 17th goal.
As the visitors pushed for an equaliser, the game turned dramatically in Cologne's favour. In the space of barely 90 seconds, Immanuël Pherai came off the bench and received two yellow cards to be sent off.
Just four minutes later, Vieira was also shown a second yellow card for protesting about time-wasting, reducing Hamburg to nine men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, HSV continued to fight, but Cologne capitalised in the closing stages. In the fourth minute of added time, Saïd El Mala made it 3-1 after being set up by Jakub Kamiński, before the provider turned scorer five minutes later, adding a fourth to seal victory.
Ache delivered a stellar performance to help Cologne secure all three points. The 26-year-old striker opened the scoring with a predatory finish in the 25th minute, demonstrating his goal-poaching instincts by reacting quickest after Hamburg goalkeeper Heuer Fernandes had saved efforts from Kainz and Maina.
Beyond his goal, Ache was a constant menace to the Hamburg defence, winning 12 challenges - the most of any Cologne player. His physical presence, hold-up play and pressing were instrumental in Cologne's attacking display, earning him a deserved Player of the Match award with 34 per cent of the votes.
Bundesliga Match Facts
xGoals: Cologne 4.54 - Hamburg 1.4
Fastest player: Linton Maina (Cologne), 35.15 km/h
Lowest goal probability: 2-1 by Dompé (Hamburg), 3.92 per cent
Most pressed player: Dompé (Hamburg), 19 times under pressure
Pass efficiency: Ísak Jóhannesson (Cologne), 1.69
Fantasy Heroes: Kamiński (Cologne, 356 Points), Ache (Cologne, 269 Points), Florian Kainz (Cologne, 249 Points)