German-Ghanaian striker Ragnar Ache found the back of the net for FC Köln, yet it was not enough to prevent a 3-1 Bundesliga defeat away to VfB Stuttgart.
Stuttgart set the pace from the start, with Ermedin Demirović giving the hosts the lead in the 15th minute. The home side largely controlled the first half, keeping Köln at bay and limiting opportunities for Ache, who struggled for service up front. He completed the 90 minutes with just 29 touches—the fewest of any outfield player—and lost a match-high 14 duels.
Köln responded after the break, creating more attacking chances. Substitute Gian-Luca Waldschmidt threaded a perfect pass to Ache in the 79th minute. The striker timed his run well and produced a calm, composed finish to equalize at 1-1, briefly giving the visitors hope of a comeback.
However, defensive lapses proved costly. Demirović restored Stuttgart’s advantage just five minutes later, and Deniz Undav put the result beyond doubt with a stoppage-time strike, ensuring the home side took all three points.
In the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, Ache has now made 21 appearances, scoring four goals and providing three assists. Köln will aim to bounce back when they host Hoffenheim at the RheinEnergieStadion on Saturday, February 21.
