Bundesliga match report: Cologne 1 Augsburg 2

Image: Yannick Gerhardt and Dominik Kohr in an aerial dual

Alexander Esswein moved Augsburg into contention for a Champions League berth next season with a late goal in a 2-1 win at Cologne.

Anthony Ujah gave the hosts the lead in the 14th minute, but Nikola Djurdjic and Esswein turned the game around to earn Markus Weinzierl's men a fourth straight win, ensuring their place in the top four of the Bundesliga this weekend.

It was a deserved win for the Bavarians, who have recovered well from losing their first two games of the season.

Dusan Svento sent a good early opportunity over the crossbar for Cologne, who did not have to wait too long before taking the lead.

Pavel Olkowski's cross was taken down by Ujah on his chest and he then, with his next touch, lifted it to the right of Alex Manninger.

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Augsburg dominated the possession but chances were hard to come by, with Raul Bobadilla not even testing Timo Horn with a volley midway through the first half.

The Swiss forward's next effort was deflected behind for a corner as Augsburg made little of their possession, risking instead conceding further goals when Cologne did manage to get on the ball.

Former Augsburg player Kevin Vogt pulled a shot across goal before Ujah wasted another opportunity to give Peter Stoger's men a bit of breathing space.

They were punished when Djurdjic brought Augsburg level early in the second half.

Tobias Werner sent a ball across for Halil Altintop, who helped it on into the path of Paul Verhaegh. The defender's shot took a deflection and Horn could only parry it to Djurdjic, who converted from close range.

The game transformed as a result with Augsburg now in the ascendency and Cologne defending for their lives.

Bobadilla was a constant menace, but it was not until the last minute of the game that Augsburg grabbed a winner.

Esswein, who got married during the week, latched onto a speculative ball forwards from Altintop and his shot took a deflection off Mergim Mavraj to beat Horn and earn Augsburg all three points.

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