Koln 1-1 Mainz: Podolski rescues a point for Stale Solbakken's men
The 26-year-old struck with just five minutes remaining after Sami Allagui gave the visitors an unlikely lead midway through the second half
Koln and Mainz played out a 1-1 draw in Tuesday's rearranged Bundesliga match at the RheinEnergieStadion.
In a tight match that saw little in the way of clear opportunities, Koln were unable to produce their top form; Sami Allagui capitalised and looked to have handed his side a much-needed three points, until Lukas Podolski rescued the match with a strike from distance.
It seemed for a long time that the match was fated for a goalless draw, with sights of the target few and far between.
Niko Bungert failed to trouble Michael Rensing with a pair of headers from Zoltan Stieber corners, while a long-range effort from Podolski sailed off target as both teams looked to get a foothold in the affair.
With the break approaching, Julian Baumgartlinger could have put his side ahead, but shot straight at Rensing when he could have done better.
The beginning of the second half was tight, but with 20 minutes remaining Sami Allagui put his side ahead. Baumgartlinger made good ground down the right before sending in a cross that the Tunisian headed past Rensing’s outstretched arms.
Falling behind awoke the hosts. Christian Wetklo was able to tip a point-blank shot from Podolski onto the post, before Christian Clemens poked an effort wide from close range.
Inevitably, it was the lively Podolski who was to get his side on level terms, picking up Mato Jajalo’s ball before driving a shot into the back of the net via the post with just minutes remaining on the clock.
It was no more than the hosts deserved for a valiant effort. They remain in midtable, while a point sees Mainz open up a three-point gap between themselves and the drop zone. - http://www.goal.com
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