BERLIN (AP) — Christoph Baumgartner scored twice and Leipzig held on to beat Cologne on Sunday to move into fourth place in the Bundesliga, a boost in their attempt to qualify for the Champions League.
Colonia started better with Said El Mala having two good chances, while Romulo hit the post at the other end.
Baumgartner opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a header off a David Raum free kick after Yan Diomande was brought down on the right.
Jan Thielmann responded after the break for Cologne when he slotted the ball inside the far post after Leipzig had failed to clear. The visitors complained that Isak Bergmann Johannesson had pushed Antonio Nusa in the previous play, and Leipzig coach Ole Werner was reprimanded for his protests, but the goal stood.
Baumgartner responded almost immediately with a low shot as he turned to silence the home fans.
Baumgartner also inadvertently blocked a shot on goal with his arm, preventing a sure goal in the 77th. Referee Frank Willenborg, who initially indicated that the ball had bounced off the player’s chest, announced an offside decision after consulting video replays.
Cologne continued to push for an equalizer, but Leipzig held on to capitalize on Stuttgart’s surprise defeat in St. Pauli the previous day. After 21 rounds, Leipzig occupies the last qualifying spot for the Champions League on goal difference.
League leader Bayern Munich has gone two games without a win and later hosts Hoffenheim.
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