For the first time in three visits to Koeln, Hoffenheim failed to take all three points. Koeln striker Lukas Podolski netted an early opener on 16 minutes, but the visitors battled back and equalised through Demba Ba, who made an outstanding finish in the 54th minute. The village outfit were the brighter side in the second half, but failed to net a winner and had to settle for a draw.
Hoffenheim looked good in possession early, but the hosts were far more effective in creating chances. Martin Lanig and Fabrice Ehret tested goalkeeper Tom Starke early before Podolski fired in a brilliant finish from the deep-left corner of the penalty box. After the goal, the visitors looked a bit lost and nearly went two goals down after Mato Jajalo's cross was deflected off the post.
