TSV Steinbach Haiger 3-2 Fortuna Köln: Pre-Season Friendly Thriller Decided in Spectacular Fashion

TSV Steinbach Haiger kicked off their 2026 pre-season preparations in style with a pulsating 3-2 victory over Regionalliga West side Fortuna Köln at the SIBRE Sportzentrum on Saturday evening. The International Club Friendly served up plenty of action as both sides used the fixture to build match sharpness, but it was the hosts who delivered the more clinical finishing in an end-to-end encounter.

Match Overview

With both teams entering the contest having undergone significant squad turnover during the summer window, this friendly offered head coaches an important opportunity to assess new combinations. Steinbach Haiger, competing in the Regionalliga Südwest, showed greater cohesion in the final third, while Fortuna Köln demonstrated flashes of their attacking potential but were let down by defensive lapses.

First Half: Steinbach Strike First

The home side started brightly and took a deserved lead in the 23rd minute. A well-worked move down the right flank ended with a low cross that was turned home by Steinbach's striker, capitalising on a momentary gap in the Fortuna backline. The goal settled the hosts, who controlled possession for the remainder of the half without creating further clear-cut chances.

Fortuna Köln responded positively after the interval, levelling the score just five minutes into the second half. A swift counter-attack caught the Steinbach defence pushing too high, allowing the visitors' winger to slot past the onrushing goalkeeper. The equaliser seemed to invigorate both teams, leading to a more open and entertaining contest.

Second Half Drama and Decisive Goals

Steinbach Haiger regained the advantage in the 64th minute through a well-struck effort from distance that bent beyond the reach of the Fortuna keeper. However, their lead lasted only ten minutes as Fortuna Köln again found a response, this time from a set piece – a near-post header from a corner that made it 2-2.

With the game seemingly heading for a draw, Steinbach produced the decisive moment in the 82nd minute. A pinpoint through ball split the Fortuna defence, and the home side's substitute striker made no mistake with a composed finish past the advancing goalkeeper. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home contingent and ensured a winning start to their pre-season campaign.

Standout Performances

• Steinbach Haiger's attacking trio – All three goals were scored by different players, highlighting the club's depth in forward areas.
• Fortuna Köln's resilience – Despite twice falling behind, the visitors showed character to equalise on each occasion, though defensive organisation remains a work in progress.
• Substitute impact – The winning goal came from a player introduced in the second half, underlining the value of squad rotation in friendlies.

What It Means

For TSV Steinbach Haiger, this victory provides early momentum ahead of their Regionalliga Südwest campaign. Head coach will be pleased with his side's ability to find the net three times against a higher-tier opponent. Fortuna Köln, meanwhile, will take positives from their attacking play but must address defensive vulnerabilities before their league season begins. Pre-season friendlies are ultimately about fitness and experimentation, but a win carries its own morale-boosting value.

Match date: 11 July 2026 | Venue: SIBRE Sportzentrum, Haiger