Berlinâs Vedad Ibisevic, right, and Cologne's Dominic Maroh challenge for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between 1.FC Cologne and Hertha BSC Berlin in Cologne, Germany, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
The Associated Press
COLOGNE, Germany (AP) - Hertha Berlin won 1-0 in Cologne in the Bundesliga on Friday to snap a five-match winless run and move another step closer to a Champions League slot.
Vedad Ibisevic scored in the 43rd minute following a pass from Salomon Kalou to secure the victory that strengthened Berlin's grip on third place.
Cologne's defense left Ibisevic unmarked and the striker easily slotted home from inside the box.
Cologne's striker Anthony Modeste hit the post late in the match as it shed its caution to try to salvage a point.
Berlin is the surprise team of the championship, having barely escaped relegation last season. But it is 20 points behind leader Bayern Munich and 12 points behind Borussia Dortmund, with third place its only realistic target.
Berlinâs Vedad Ibisevic, left, celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between 1.FC Cologne and Hertha BSC Berlin in Cologne, Germany, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
The Associated Press
Berlinâs Vedad Ibisevic celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between 1.FC Cologne and Hertha BSC Berlin in Cologne, Germany, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
The Associated Press
Berlinâs Vedad Ibisevic scores the opening goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between 1.FC Cologne and Hertha BSC Berlin in Cologne, Germany, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
The Associated Press
Cologne's Anthony Modeste jumps for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between 1.FC Cologne and Hertha BSC Berlin in Cologne, Germany, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
The Associated Press
Berlin's Mitchell Weiser and Cologne's Dominique Heintz, from left, challenge for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between 1.FC Cologne and Hertha BSC Berlin in Cologne, Germany, Friday, Feb. 26, 2016. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)
The Associated Press