(CNN) -- Inter Milan's hopes of retaining the Italian Serie A title suffered a big blow on Friday with a 1-1 draw at struggling Brescia.
It could have been even worse for coach Leonardo's team, who were reduced to 10 men when Ivan Cordoba was sent off at the end -- but then saw Julio Cesar save Andrea Caracciolo's resulting penalty.
Caracciolo had headed the equalizing goal in the 84th minute, but he too suffered a miserable end to the night when he was dismissed for a second booking when he kicked the ball away in the fourth minute of time added on.
The result left second-placed Inter four points adrift of city rivals AC Milan, who host bottom club Bari on Sunday.
It was a frustrating game for the European champions ahead of Tuesday's trip to Germany, where Inter must overturn a 1-0 deficit against last season's losing finalists Bayern Munich to reach the quarterfinals.
The Nerazzurri made a strong start against second-bottom Brescia as top scorer Samuel Eto'o scored the opener in the 18th minute, volleying home after defender Andrea Ranocchia headed on a corner.
It was the Cameroon striker's 31st goal this season, one of them coming in the 1-1 draw at home to Brescia earlier this season.
Caracciolo also scored in that game, and he netted for the third time in a row deep into the second half when Cordoba's attempted headed clearance from Alessandro Diamanti's corner went back towards the Inter goal.
The 34-year-old Colombia defender then made matters worse when he tangled with Eder on the edge of the penalty area and the Brazilian substitute went sprawling inside it.
But former Italy international Caracciolo's low spotkick was easily blocked by Cesar, who was later saved by Dejan Stankovic's clearance after he came charging out of his box.
The result left Brescia still mired in relegation trouble, two points adrift of Lecce and Cesena -- who host Juventus on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hanover missed the chance to move up to second place in Germany after a 4-0 thrashing at Cologne on Friday.
Portuguese midfielder Petit fired in a freekick 10 minutes before halftime, and then set up Lukas Podolski on the hour mark for the Germany forward's 11th goal this season.
Podolski provided the third for Milivoje Novakovic with nine minutes left, and the Slovenian striker wrapped it up as he bundled in a cross by substitute Adil Chihi.
It was the Billy Goats' sixth win in a row, the club's best run in 24 years, and moved Cologne seven points above the bottom three.
Hanover remained third, two points behind Bayer Leverkusen and four above Mainz -- who meet on Sunday.
French champions Marseille closed to within a point of leaders Lille with a 2-0 win at second-placed Rennes on Friday.
Andre Ayew set up Loic Remy's 24th-minute opener and the Ghana striker also provided Lucho Gonzalez's second with 10 minutes to go.
The victory was a boost for Marseille ahead of Tuesday's Champions League trip to Manchester United, coming in the absence of Brandao following the Brazilian striker's rape accusation this week.
The result left Rennes level on points with Lille, who host Valenciennes on Sunday.
