Bayer Leverkusen gave up a derby win at 1. FC Köln and lost important points in the Bundesliga to the top duo Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
Leverkusen had to be satisfied with a 2: 2 (2: 0) after a 2-0 lead on Sunday and have 17 points in their account after nine match days.
Front runner FC Bayern has 22, Dortmund 21.
Cologne - Patrik Schick and Karim Bellarabi ensured Bayer's clear advantage with a double strike in the 15th and 17th minutes, but Anthony Modeste (63./82.) Managed to equalize with two goals after the break.
Cologne is in the middle of the table with 13 points.
dpa