Goals by Marko Reus and Maniche saw the two teams share the points in a result which was of little use to either side.

Reus put Monchengladbach ahead 11 minutes into the second half with a fine individual goal before Maniche levelled with a little over 10 minutes remaining with the draw keeping the visitors three points ahead of Cologne.

Gladbach started the game on the back of two heavy defeats but it was Michael Frontzeck's team that took the initiative at the RheinEnergieStadion, Rob Friend spurning a free header after just five minutes.

Lukas Podolski hit back for the hosts, sending a left-footed shot wide from 30 yards before the same player fired a left-footed shot into the bottom left of the goal but the Germany striker was judged to have fouled a defender and the goal was disallowed.

Cologne almost went ahead seven minutes into the second half when Petit unleashed a powerful shot from 20 yards which went past the left post.

However, just four minutes later and Gladbach were ahead, Reus drilling a shot from 20 yards which went into the bottom left of the goal.

Monchengladbach were just 11 minutes from victory when Maniche equalised for Cologne.

Zoran Tosic sent in a pass from the right which reached Maniche and the Portuguese midfielder hit a powerful shot from 20 yards which went into the top right of the goal to secure a point for the hosts.