Moenchengladbach midfielder Juan Arango and defender Dante show their frustration in the 1-1 home draw.

Story highlights

Borussia Moenchengladbach held 1-1 at home by Hamburg

Draw leaves Moenchengladbach two points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund

Christopher Samba heading to Russian big-spenders Anzhi Makhachkala

Andrey Arshavin also going east to rejoin Zenit St. Petersburg on loan

CNN  — 

Borussia Moenchengladbach suffered a setback to their Bundesliga title hopes as they were held 1-1 at home by SV Hamburg Friday.

Moenchengladbach could have drawn level on points with leaders and defending champions Borussia Dortmund with a victory, but they were dashed by their improving visitors.

Star striker Mike Hanke gave Lucien Favre’s men the lead with a headed effort just before halftime.

But Tolgay Arslan equalized in the 56th minute to leave Moenchengladbach two points adrift of Dortmund, who face Hanover Sunday.

Third-placed Bayern, who host Schalke in a mouthwatering clash Saturday, are two points behind Moenchengladbach in third.

Thorsten Fink’s Hamburg have moved up to eighth ahead of the weekend games.

Meanwhile, Blackburn Rovers defender Christopher Samba has become the latest star player to sign for big-spending Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

His English Premier League club confirmed the transfer Friday, with reports indicating a fee of approximately $18 million for the Congo international.

The 27-year-old has not played for the struggling EPL side since asking for a transfer and was a rumored target for Tottenham and QPR.

Samba will link up with Anzhi’s new Dutch coach Guus Hiddink when the Russian season resumes next month. Former Inter Milan and Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o joined Anzhi last year while ex-Brazil star Roberto Carlos is also on their books.

Arsenal’s Russian international Andrey Arshavin is also headed back home to play for his former club Zenit St.Petersburg on loan until July.

Arshavin has fallen out of favor at Arsenal after making 133 appearances for the Gunners.

“FC Zenit welcomes the return of Andrey Arshavin to St Petersburg,” said a statement on the club’s website, while Arshavin wrote on his Twitter blog: “It’s done.”