The new season of Germany’s fourth-tier Regionalliga West kicked off this weekend, with 17-year-old Estonian international Patrik Kristal making his first appearance of the campaign for 1. FC Köln II in a tough 0-3 away defeat to 1. FC Bocholt.
Kristal, who joined Köln in January on a long-term deal, came off the bench in the 73rd minute with his side already trailing. Despite a promising start to the match, with the first half ending goalless, the hosts took full control in the second half.
Bocholt opened the scoring in the 53rd minute when Arnold Budimbu reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box after a right-sided cross, calmly slotting home to make it 1-0.
Just a minute after Kristal entered the pitch, Bocholt doubled their lead. Marvin Lorch drove into the penalty area and fired a well-placed shot into the top left corner, making it 2-0 in the 74th minute.
Things went from bad to worse three minutes later as Cedric Euschen exploited a disorganized Köln defense to net a third goal, sealing an emphatic opening-day win for the home side.
Kristal featured on the right wing during his 29-minute cameo but was unable to influence the outcome as Köln II struggled to find rhythm late in the game.
Last season, the young Estonian midfielder made 15 appearances in the Regionalliga, registering two assists. He is regarded as one of Estonia’s brightest prospects, already earning senior international caps.
Köln II will look to bounce back next Saturday when they host Wiedenbrück in their second match of the season.
