Late Kerem Demirbay goal rescues Hoffenheim point in Cologne, earns European spot
ByReuters
Updated 21/04/2017 at 20:52 GMT
Hoffenheim scored a stoppage-time equaliser through Kerem Demirbay to draw 1-1 at Cologne on Friday and snatch a point as they battle for a top three Bundesliga finish and a spot in next season's Champions League group stage.
Kerem Demirbay of Hoffenheim celebrates after he scores the equalizing goal during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Koeln and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at RheinEnergieStadion on April 21, 2017 in Cologne, Germany.
Image credit: Getty Images
The visitors remained in third place on 55 points but Borussia Dortmund, two points behind in fourth, can overtake them with victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday.
The top three teams qualify automatically for the group stage of Europe's premier club competition while the fourth-placed club go into the qualifying rounds.
Hoffenheim, who suffered only their fourth league loss of the season but have won just one of their last three matches, showed little in terms of their usual attacking game.
Cologne had the better opportunities and Leonardo Bittencourt used one of them to tap in from a Jonas Hector cutback in the 58th minute.
Hoffenheim desperately poured forward late in the game in search of an equaliser, with Niklas Suele coming close in the 80th before Demirbay drilled in the equaliser after Cologne failed to clear the ball.
Leaders Bayern Munich, top on 69 points, host Mainz 05 on Saturday while RB Leipizg, in second place eight points behind, travel to Schalke 04 on Sunday.
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