Record against Köln
In the DFB Cup: 8 games, 5 wins, 3 defeats, 18:9 goal difference
Overall: 99 games, 35 wins, 25 draws, 39 defeats, 163:158 goal difference
Looking back
Both teams overcame regional league (fourth tier) opposition in the first round. VfB won 6-0 at Berliner FC Dynamo, while Köln beat FC Carl Zeiss Jena 4-2 on penalties.
Cup history
It’s nearly nine years since these two sides last met in the cup. In December 2012, VfB triumphed 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in the round of 16 thanks to goals from Christian Gentner and Vedad Ibisevic.
Nartey facing former club
VfB defender Nikolas Nartey will see some familiar faces on Wednesday evening. The Denmark U21 international spent two and a half years at Köln from January 2017 to summer 2019, when he joined VfB.
Strong runners
Köln have recorded 6,639 intensive runs so far this season, putting them top of the Bundesliga. They’re also in the top four in the league when it comes to distance covered.