The Albany Gazette - Hoffenheim snatch last-gasp draw against Frankfurt

A goal in each half from Ekitike had Frankfurt on course to register their best-ever league start of 12 wins in 19 games.

But with the finish line in sight, Andrej Kramaric produced a delightful chip for Hlozek, who slammed home a 95th minute equaliser.

The point could be crucial for Hoffenheim, who have spent much of the season near the bottom of the table as they hope to stave off a first-ever relegation.

Hoffenheim moved four points clear of the relegation spots.

For Frankfurt, the late draw means they are 11 points off leaders Bayern Munich, but remain five clear of fourth-placed Stuttgart.

Before the match, Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoeller called on Ekitike to step up his game after Omar Marmoush's departure to Manchester City.

After 26 minutes, Ekitike won and converted a penalty to give the visitors the lead.

There was more than a bit of good fortune in the penalty, as Hoffenheim defender Kevin Akpoguma was unsighted when he stepped on the Frenchman's calf and removed his boot.

The Bayern Munich-bound Tom Bischof looked to have set up an equaliser for Adam Hlozek after 60 minutes, but the goal was chalked off for a narrow offside.

Hoffenheim did equalise five minutes later and Hlozek played a key role, laying on a perfect cross for Gift Orban to score his first goal since arriving from Lyon earlier in January.

Ekitike put Frankfurt back ahead in the 71st minute, tapping in a Rasmus Kristensen cross for his 11th goal of the season.

St Pauli, who are one point behind Hoffenheim, host Union Berlin in Sunday's late game.

Union, who won their first game since October, 2-1 over high-flying Mainz last Sunday, sit three points ahead of Pauli.

(P.Clark--TAG)