Cologne netted a late winner as a Milivoje Novakovic strike earned them a 1-0 victory over Nurnberg.
Novakovic scores in closing stages against Nurnberg
Cologne netted a late winner as a Milivoje Novakovic strike earned them a 1-0 victory over Nurnberg.
Nurnberg shaded possession but failed to find a way past a resolute home defence and Cologne were rewarded when Novakovic struck with only seconds remaining, sending his side into the top 10.
The home side had the first chance of note after 20 minutes when Germany striker Lukas Podolski headed over from close range when he should have done much better.
Slawomir Peszko also spurned a good opportunity to put Cologne ahead when he fired straight into the arms of Raphael Schafer in the Nurnberg goal.
Nurnberg hit back and had two good chances to take the lead before half-time. Andreas Wolf's curling effort was cleared off the line by the head of Miso Brecko.
Then Jens Hegeler wasted the best chance of the half, failing to beat Cologne goalkeeper Michael Rensing from seven yards after the ball broke to him from a block.
Novakovic then spooned the ball over from close range on 68 minutes as it started to look like he was going to have a frustrating afternoon.
But the Slovenia international took centre stage in the final minutes, firstly by forcing a great save from Schafer with a half-volley before finally breaking the deadlock in injury time.
He made his move into the box at the right time and was picked out by Peszko, this time making no mistake as he converted to give the home side the three points.
