Granit Xhaka winner takes Borussia Monchengladbach past FC Koln

Borussia Monchengladbach boosted their Champions League hopes with a 1-0 victory over fierce rivals FC Koln, thanks to Granit Xhaka's stoppage-time goal.

It was a bright start to the match from Koln, but the first clear chance of the game fell to the hosts as Max Kruse fired just past the post from the edge of the box.

Gladbach started to dominate the game midway through the first half and Timo Horn came to his side's rescue with a fine save to keep out Patrick Herrmann's swerving effort from 25 yards.

Yann Sommer was then forced into action to deny Koln the opening goal when Marcel Risse curled an effort towards the top corner.

Despite dominating for long spells of the second half, clear chances were difficult to come by for Gladbach as Koln frustrated the home side with a stubborn defensive display.

It looked as though Koln would be rewarded with a point, but Xhaka found the space to head home the winner from Thorgan Hazard's free kick in the 91st minute.