BERLIN, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Cologne reaped vital points in the relegation battle after Ondrej Duda's brace and Florian Kainz's sole goal shocked Augsburg 3-2 at the opener of the 31st round in Bundesliga on Friday.
The "Billy Goats" took over from the get-go and needed only eight minutes to break the deadlock as Ellyes Skhiri's pinpoint cross allowed Duda to beat Augsburg's goalkeeper Rafal Gikiewicz with a one-timer from 17 meters into the top right corner.
Augsburg wobbled and wasn't able to gain a foothold into the game, whereas Cologne made it two with 23 minutes into the game when Kainz finished off the good build-up work from Duda and Benno Schmitz.
The hosts were unable to put up resistance, but Cologne still wasn't done with the scoring and tripled its lead through Duda, who slotted home from eleven meters to wrap up his brace at the half-hour mark.
After the restart, Augsburg came out with its guns blazing and forced Cologne's goalkeeper Timo Horn into action for the first time as Ruben Vargas unleashed a dangerous shot from the edge of the box.
Moments later, Augsburg's efforts paid off after Fredrik Jensen's cross to the far post found Robert Gumny, who poked home from very close range to reduce the arrears.
Dominant Augsburg started an onslaught and got another one on target as Vargas tapped home Jensen's square pass for the 3-2 at the hour mark.
Cologne had to survive a scare in the 73rd minute when Skhiri's goal-line headed clearance denied Gumny the equalizer.
As the match progressed, Cologne's defense stabilized and was able to protect the narrow lead to the end.
With the result, Cologne climb to 15th place, which is a relegation play-off spot, while Augsburg stay 12th.
"We played a very good first half. We were really effective in front of the target and we scored fantastic goals. In the second half we played too passive, and Augsburg gained momentum. What matters is that we secured all three points," said Cologne head coach Friedhelm Funkel.
"We played a disastrous first half. Even a very good second half won't help and simply because we have not deserved it," said Augsburg head coach Heiko Herrlich.
The following fixtures are set for Saturday: Freiburg see Hoffenheim, third placed Wolfsburg host Borussia Dortmund, Mainz clash with leaders Bayern Munich, Union Berlin meet Werder Bremen and Leverkusen encounter Eintracht Frankfurt. Enditem
