claw (one's) way back into (something)

To expend an intense, continuous effort to reach some position or role in something. Typically used in the context of sports. It took two and a half periods, but the Blues have finally clawed their way back into this game. Now, can they tie it up with less than seven minutes left? We're last in the division—do you really think we'll be able to claw our way back into the playoffs? If we score a goal this period, then we have a chance to claw our way back into this game.