BERLIN, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Cologne recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Eintracht Frankfurt, as Alessio Castro-Montes struck moments after coming off the bench to cap a late turnaround in the Bundesliga on Sunday.
The visitors arrived with Rene Wagner in charge following a coaching change, while Eintracht sought a response after a recent defeat. Wagner altered his lineup in several positions, introducing Sebastian Sebulonsen, Tom Krauss, Denis Huseinbasic and Jan Thielmann from the start.
Cologne nearly took the lead inside the opening minute when Jakub Kaminski forced Michael Zetterer into a save before Ragnar Ache was denied on the rebound. Eintracht gradually assumed control, probing down the left through Arnaud Kalimuendo but struggling to break through a compact defense.
After the interval, Eintracht increased the pressure and were rewarded midway through the second half. Fares Chaibi set up Jonathan Michael Burkardt from close range in the 66th minute, before Kalimuendo added a second soon after with a precise finish.
Cologne responded immediately, with Kaminski reducing the deficit just a minute later. The visitors grew in confidence as Eintracht lost defensive organization, creating further openings as the match entered its final stages.
Wagner introduced fresh attackers late on, and the changes proved decisive. In the 83rd minute, a quick sequence involving Marius Bulter and Luca Waldschmidt led to Alessio Castro-Montes finishing from close range only seconds after his introduction to level the match.
Eintracht pushed forward in the closing moments but was unable to restore its advantage. The result left Eintracht in seventh place, while Cologne remained in 15th, with both sides missing an opportunity to improve their positions.
The point did little to ease pressure on either side, with Cologne still hovering above the relegation zone and Eintracht unable to strengthen their push for European qualification places.
"It was a game of ups and downs. We went 2-0 down, but the team showed great character and even had chances to win," Wagner said.
Elsewhere, relegation-threatened St. Pauli capitalized only partially on their rivals' slip-ups, drawing 1-1 at Union Berlin. The visitors took the lead with a stunning strike but conceded after the break and ultimately had to settle for a point they were fortunate to keep. ■
