Cologne overpower Bremen 4-3 in German Bundesliga

German football club Cologne have moved into the top six after beating resilient Werder Bremen 4-3 in the opener of the Bundesliga's 32nd round.

The "Billy Goats" ended Werder Bremen's three-game winning streak as Anthony Modeste provided two goals to smooth the way for the 11th victory of the season on Friday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Cologne ensured a bright start into the clash as Modeste broke the deadlock, as Bremen were unable to clear the ball following a corner allowing the striker to slot home the opener from close range in the 13th minute.

The hosts continued with their offensively minded performance and rewarded themselves after Leonardo Bittencourt headed home Lukas Kluetner to double the lead at the half-hour mark.

Bremen regrouped and showed a vital sign as Fin Bartels finished off Zlatko Junuzovic's though ball to reduce the arrears from the edge of the box.

The "Green-Whites" gained momentum and restored parity out of the blue after Junuzovic's cross found Gebre Selassie, who nodded home the 2-2 equaliser in the 40th minute.

Despite Bremen's six-minute comeback Cologne responded with the 3-2 lead before the break when Modeste's through ball allowed Simon Zoller to lob the ball over onrushing Bremen goalie Felix Wiedwald in the 44th minute.

After the restart, the hosts started where they left off as Modeste utilised a misplaced clearance to extend the lead to 4-2 from inside the box, two minutes into the second half.

However, Bremen stood firm and reduced the arrears again after Serge Gnarby volleyed home Bartel's cross to the far post in the 62nd minute. The visitors pressed for the equaliser but Cologne were able protect their lead to the end.

With the win, Cologne jumped onto the 6th place, which would ensure them a berth in UEFA Europa League while Bremen slipped to the 7th place with two rounds to spare.

On Saturday, newly promoted champions Bayern Munich host last-placed Darmstadt, Dortmund host third placed Hoffenheim, Monchengladbach see Augsburg, Ingolstadt encounter Bayer Leverkusen, Eintracht Frankfurt meet Wolfsburg and Hertha Berlin see runner up Leipzig.

--IANS

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