Cologne into Bundesliga top four after 1-0 win at Hoffenheim

Promoted Cologne climbed into the Bundesliga top four after a tight 1-0 win at Hoffenheim on Friday evening.

Said El Mala scored the winner in the 16th minute. He collected the ball on the left and sprinted forward to get into the box, skip past three defenders and drill a low shot between the legs of Germany goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.

There was a moment of tension for the guests as the referee awarded Hoffenheim a penalty in the 41st minute after Eric Martel blocked a shot with his arm.

But after video review, the referee overturned his decision as Martel's arm was tucked in close to his body.

Hoffenheim still had a dangerous chance before the break, but Marvin Schwäbe made a big save to deny Fisnik Asllani the equalizer.

The final minutes of the match saw good chances from both sides, with Hoffenheim centimetres away from the equalizer.

Vladimir Coufal volleyed the ball across goal in the 88th and it just needed a touch to go in but Ihlas Bebou couldn't quite reach it despite a full stretch.

Jakub Kaminski, meanwhile, was denied by Baumann just a minute later, but Cologne still took all the points.

Cologne are fourth, one point ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt, who host leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday.

Hoffenheim, meanwhile, are 10th after their third defeat in six games.

Other weekend games include Bayer Leverkusen v Union Berlin and Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig.