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Hoffenheim held to a point at Cologne

Germany striker Lukas Podolski was on target for Cologne.
Germany striker Lukas Podolski was on target for Cologne.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Hoffenheim draw 1-1 at Cologne in the German Bundesliga
  • Lukas Podolski put Cologne ahead in the 17 minute
  • Senegalese striker Demba Ba equalized for Hoffenheim on 54 minutes
  • Hoffenheim move into third while Cologne stay 13th
RELATED TOPICS
  • Bundesliga
  • Germany
  • Lukas Podolski

(CNN) -- Hoffenheim missed the chance to go second in the German Bundesliga after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Cologne.

Ralf Rangnick's side have enjoyed a good start to the season, with three wins from five games, though they couldn't get past a determined Cologne side.

It was the home side who struck first when Lukas Podolski collected Mato Jajalo's pass to fire into the net with 17 minutes gone.

Petit nearly doubled Cologne's advantage with a strike from distance but Hoffenheim goalkeeper Tom Starke was equal to it.

Cologne led at the break but Hoffenheim started the second period well with Sejad Salihovic and Luiz Gustavo both going close to an equalizer.

Hoffenheim's pressure told on 54 minutes when Christian Eichner fed Demba Ba and the Senegalese striker found the corner of the net.

Just three minutes later Demba Ba fed Vedad Ibisevic who fired a shot right at Cologne keeper Faryd Mondragon before Youssef Mohamad turned Podolski's free kick wide from close range.

Ibisevic forced a fine save from Mondragon as he headed Gylfi Sigurdsson's cross towards goal. Then Adam Matuschyk squandered Cologne's last chance as he put a header past the post late on.

Hoffenheim move into third place, four points behind league leaders Mainz, after maintaining their unbeaten away record, while Cologne climbed into 13th spot.

On Saturday, Mainz travel to defending champions Bayern Munich, who are languishing in mid table.

Second-placed Borussia Dortmund face newly-promoted St Pauli while bottom of the table Schalke take on Borussia Monchengladbach.