体坛英语新闻：Bayern Munich drops points in Cologne, Schalke closes gap

BERLIN, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Record champions Bayern Munich failed to utilize the chance to extend the gap to Leverkusen, after they were held to a 1-1 draw against Cologne, while efficient Schalke white-washed over challenged Frankfurt 4-1.

As expected Bayern started motivated and aggressive offensively-minded while Cologne kept it tight at the back. As the match progressed Munich didn’t manage to overcome Colognes defence, meanwhile Cologne increased their offensive actions.

With 32 minutes on the clock Cologne striker Lukas Podolski hammered an indirect free kick home, from 25 meter to give his team the astonishing lead.

After the break record champion Bayern frantically pressed for the equalizer. Cologne lurked for counter attacks and defended deep.

Munich’s hard work was rewarded at the 58th minute when midfielder Sebastian Schweinsteiger netted in from close range thanks to the superb buildup play by Munich youngster striker Thomas Mueller from the right wing.

Bayern turned up but Cologne was absolutely unable to put up some resistance. Munich worked out a bunch of opportunities but they were unlucky at the finish.

Bayern remains on first position with 53 points followed by Schalke with 51 points and Leverkusen with 50 points. Leverkusen will play on Sunday against bottom team Nuremberg to possibly recapture first position. Cologne climbed from 14th to 13th position.

In the match against Frankfurt, Schalke grabbed the lead at the 12th minute when midfield youngster Joel Matip exploited a cross by defender Rafinha to open the scoring from inside the box.

Only three minutes later Schalke got the second goal. Lukas Schmitz sent a free kick into goal area defender Benedikt Hoewedes headed it home.

Frankfurt was stunned by Schalke efficiency and unable to fight back within the first half.

Seven minutes into the second half Frankfurt was able to narrow the gap after a fast break by Frankfurt midfielder Alexander Meier. Ten minutes before final whistle Schalke midfielder Ivan Rakitic smoothed the way for the victory after a cross by striker Kevin Kuranyi.

In the dying minutes of the game Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi wrapped the final 4-1 score after Kuranyi overcame Frankfurt goalkeeper Oka Nikolov from sharp angle.

The 4-1 victory moved Schalke from third to second position with 51 points, while Frankfurt slipped from 7th to 8th position.

In an unspectacular match fourth-place Hamburg overpowered unlucky bottom team Berlin 1-0. Borussia Dortmund trailed Hamburg by one point after a 3-0 victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Werder Bremen sticked on 6th position after a 2-2 draw with Stuttgart which sit on 7th position. Defending champion Wolfsburg jumped from 11th to 9th position after a 4-1 home victory over Bochum.

Elsewhere, Freiburg lost 2-1 to Hannover. Hannover jumped from 17th to 15th position. Freiburg slipped from 15th to 16th position.

On Sunday Nuremberg will face Leverkusen while Hoffenheim hosts Mainz.