Rock-bottom Schalke still stranded after Cologne stalemate

Schalke remain stranded at the bottom of the Bundesliga table after a dour 0-0 draw at home against Cologne on Sunday.

One of German football's traditional heavyweights, Schalke are six points from safety having won just twice on their return to the Bundesliga this season.

They have lost 11 of their past 13 matches in all competitions.

Schalke started strongly against Cologne and almost took the lead after just three minutes when debutant Moritz Jenz's goal-bound shot was kept out by a fingertip save from Marvin Schwaebe.

Cologne, buoyed by their midweek draw away at leaders Bayern Munich, grew confident despite the hostile crowd and went close early in the second half when a header from defender Timo Huebers hit the woodwork.

Tempers flared in Gelsenkirchen as the match wore on, with four yellow cards in the final 15 minutes, but defences held firm in a result which is likely to disappoint both teams.

Cologne, unbeaten since the winter break, now sit in 12th place, six points from the relegation play-off spot.

In Sunday's late game, Borussia Dortmund will look to close the gap to Bayern when they travel to Bayer Leverkusen.