BERLIN (AP) – Christoph Baumgartner scored twice and Leipzig beat Cologne 2-1 on Sunday, lifting them into fourth place in the Bundesliga and boosting their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
Cologne got off to a good start, with Saeed El Mara scoring twice and Romulo hitting the opposing post.
In the 29th minute, Baumgartner broke through with a header from David Raum’s free kick after Yann Diomande was fouled on the right.
After the break, Cologne scooped the ball inside the far post after Leipzig failed to clear it, and Jan Thielmann responded. The visitors complained that Isak Bergmann Johannesson pushed Antonio Nusa in the build-up but the goal was saved as Leipzig manager Ole Werner had been booked for protesting.
Baumgartner took a low shot almost immediately on the turn, silencing the home fans.
In the 77th minute, Baumgartner inadvertently blocked a shot towards the goal with his arm, preventing a goal from being conceded. Referee Frank Willenborg initially said the ball had hit a player in the chest, but after reviewing video replays he ruled it offside.
Cologne continued to attack for an equalizer, but Leipzig held on, capitalizing on Stuttgart’s unexpected loss to St. Pauli the previous day. After 21 matches, Leipzig remain in last place on goal difference to qualify for the Champions League.
League leader Bayern Munich was without a win in two games, and then hosted Hoffenheim, who were in good form.
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