1899 Hoffenheim ends losing streak defeating Köln

After twelve difficult weeks without a win 1899 Hoffenheim earned its second win of the Rückrunde, defeating Köln 2-0 at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena. While the victory comes too late for European football, it was an important step after the recent fallout with Ralf Rangnick and management.

After a highly defensive start in which Köln blanketed 1899's advances, Sejad Salihović was able to carve out a few openings. With the start of the second half, 1899 took control using a 4-2-2-2 jump started by the Bosnian Salihović. After coming close early in the half Salihović's free-kick from twenty-five metres curled into the top right corner. Köln, who seem to be thinking more of next year when their captain arrives from Bayern, offered little going forward and with twenty-two minutes left Demba Ba drove the ball in from twenty-metres to make it 2-0. The lead could have been extended with eleven minutes left after the penalty was awarded for Ba being brought but Boubacar Sanogo couldn't convert but regardless the match ended 2-0 in 1899's favour