Vedad Ibisevic leads Hertha Berlin past Koln

COLOGNE, Germany -- Hertha Berlin won 1-0 at Koln in the Bundesliga on Friday to snap a five-match winless run and move another step closer to a Champions League slot.

Vedad Ibisevic scored in the 43rd minute following a pass from Salomon Kalou to secure the victory that strengthened Berlin's grip on third place.

Koln's defense left Ibisevic unmarked and the striker easily slotted home from inside the box.

Koln's striker Anthony Modeste hit the post late in the match as it shed its caution to try to salvage a point.

Berlin is the surprise team of the championship, having barely escaped relegation last season. But it is 20 points behind leader Bayern Munich and 12 points behind Borussia Dortmund, with third place its only realistic target.