El Mala's Solo Winner Lifts Cologne to Top Four at Hoffenheim

A VAR review canceled a first-half Hoffenheim penalty after Eric Martel's arm was judged tucked.

Overview

The 19-year-old marked his first league start with a 16th-minute solo run and low finish past Oliver Baumann.
Cologne moved up to fourth in the table, one point ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt before the rest of the weekend fixtures.
Goalkeeper Marvin Schwäbe preserved the lead with a crucial save on Fisnik Asllani shortly before halftime.
Hoffenheim threatened late as Vladimir Coufal’s cross just eluded Ihlas Bebou, and Jakub Kaminski was denied by Baumann at the other end.
The result left Hoffenheim 10th with three defeats in six and a second straight home loss heading into the international break.