Zvonimir Soldo will be disappointed that his side only managed a point despite leading early on. Ralf Rangnick, on the other hand, will be pleased that his side have continued to grind out results and pick up points. Hoffenheim struggled last season, but if they can challenge for a Europa League spot this season Hoffenheim fans will be quite content.
Germany international Lukas Podolski scored just before the 20 minute mark and made it one-nil to the home side. Koln dominated much of the first-half, but could not extend their lead. In the end, their lack of a real thrust in attack cost them. After the break, Hoffenheim looked the better side as Gylfi Sigurdsson and Peniel Mlapa were brought on for Tobias Weis and Josip Simunic.
The visitors created chance after chance, and finally found the back of the net through Demba Ba, who cut his way through the Koln back-line and then curled the ball past Faryd Mondragon in the Koln goal. The visitors continued to press, and it could and should have been 2-1 but for Ba’s inability to turn in an easy chance after some smart play Vedad Ibisevic.
This result puts Soldo’s Koln side in 14th place, with only one win from their first six Bundesliga matches. Die Hoffe, however, have much to be happy about as they hang on to a Champions League spot in 3rd position. Koln’s next Bundesliga fixture is away to Freiburg, while Hoffenheim travel to league leaders Mainz.
