体坛英语新闻：Leverkusen and Schalke drop points at German Bundesliga

BERLIN, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Schalke shared points with Augsburg following a goalless draw and Leverkusen were also held to a draw at Freiburg while Frankfurt inflicted Hoffenheim their 12th loss of the season at the 19th round in the German Bundesliga on Saturday.

The "Royal Blues" were unable to maintain their upward trend after their 5-4 goal festival win over Hannover last week, as they were held to a goalless draw to courageous bottom team Augsburg.

The visitors staged a sluggish performance meanwhile Augsburg worked out goal scoring opportunities through Ja Cheol Koo who tested Timo Hildebrand with a well-placed shot into the top right corner.

It was a wakening call for the "Royal Blues" that ensured the first chance through Klaas Jan Huntelaar, who's turn shot from close range was parried by Augsburg goalkeeper Alexander Manninger. At the second half both sides exchanged attacks but their poor finishes made it impossible to set the course for the win.

The share of points moves Augsburg on a relegation playoff spot whilst Schalke missed the chance to approach an UEFA Champions League playoff spot.

Bayern chasers Leverkusen defended their second place against Dortmund although they were held to a goalless draw to Freiburg to drop points at the title race.

The "Werkself" occupy second position with 37 points, eight points adrift of the Bavarians while Freiburg drop from 6th to 8th position with 27 points.

Hoffenheim stagnates at the bottom of the Bundesliga standings with only two points out of the last nine games as Frankfurt craved out three points on home soil.

Both sides were able to produce scoring chances but it were Frankfurt that broke the deadlock with 35 minutes played as Martin Lanig utilized a through ball by Takashi Iniu to beat Hoffenheim's goalkeeper Tim Wiese.

Hoffenheim turned up at the second half to restore parity when Kevin Volland used Martin Beck's cross into the box to volley home at the 65th minute.

Hoffenheim seemed content with the draw therefore they were punished by Frankfurt that snatched three points as Stefan Aigner tapped in the 2-1 decider at the last post with 68 minutes played.

Newly promoted stunners Eintracht Frankfurt hold course for Europe next season due to their consolidation of fourth place with 33 points.

Ten men Hannover sealed their eighth win of the season after their 2-1 win over Wolfsburg.

Hannover opened the scoring with only four minutes on the clock as Mohammed Abdellaoue capitalized on a black out by "Wolves" defender Simon Kjaer to beat goalkeeper Diego Benaglio with a curl into the top right.

Wolfsburg turned up but was unable to convert their efforts into a tangible reward.

Hannover's new arrival Sebastien Pocognoli weakened his side when he was sent off with a straight red card owing to a foul play to Fagner Conserva Lemos at the 35th minute.

Nonetheless ten men Hannover doubled the lead through Mame Biram Diouf to seal the deal seven minutes before the break as Wolfsburg was only able to score their consolation through Alexander Madlung.

Elesewhere, Monchengladbach defeated newly promoted Dusseldorf whereas Mainz cruised to a 3-0 win over relegation threatened Greuther Fuerth.

The following fixtures are scheduled for Sunday: Hamburg host Bremen at the Northern derby while Stuttgart encounter front runners Bayern Munich at the Southern derby.