Leverkusen edge Cologne in Rhine derby as Freiburg climb to third in Bundesliga

Bayer Leverkusen claimed an important 2-1 victory over Cologne in the Rhine derby, while Freiburg moved up to third place in the Bundesliga after beating Union Berlin 2-0. Hoffenheim also collected three points with a 2-1 win against Schalke.

Leverkusen took an early lead through Aleix Garcia, who scored with a superb free kick in the seventh minute. Patrik Schick doubled their advantage late in the game, before Said El Mala pulled one back for Cologne in stoppage time. However, the visitors held on to secure the derby victory.

Freiburg continued their impressive run with a comfortable 2-0 home win over Union Berlin. An own goal from Rani Khedira gave the hosts the lead before Yuito Suzuki added a second in the 67th minute. The victory moved Freiburg up to third in the standings.

Hoffenheim completed Sunday's action with a 2-1 victory over Schalke. Fisnik Asllani and Tim Lemperle scored in the first half to give the hosts a two-goal advantage. Junior Adamu reduced the deficit in the 81st minute, but Schalke could not find an equaliser.

Bundesliga results:

• Hoffenheim 2-1 Schalke

• Freiburg 2-0 Union Berlin

• Cologne 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen