Bayer Leverkusen took over top spot in the table, at least temporarily, as Simon Rolfes' goal was enough for victory over ten-man Cologne. Rolfes scored the only goal in the 82nd minute before the home side played the final four minutes a man down as Maniche was shown a red card.

Cologne started strongly, but Leverkusen took over the game and had a great chance after 14 minutes only for Sami Hyppia to fire wide from just four yards.

Leverkusen could only find the side netting again 13 minutes later, this time from Renato Augusto. Augusto was barely off target again on a counter-attack, hitting just left of the far post from 20 yards three minutes before the interval.

Cologne tried harder in the second half and had some fine chances in the early going, including Petit's 25-yard blast which sailed just over the bar. But Leverkusen finally found their game and began putting together chances.

There was a real mess in front of Cologne goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon's goal in the 67th minute, but Tranquillo Barnetta and Stefan Kiessling both failed to push the ball over the line.

Rolfes had a fine chance with nine minutes to play, but Mondragon produced a good save. But Rolfes beat Mondragon a minute later, poking the ball through two defenders off the far post and in after a scramble in the area.

And Cologne were forced to play the final four minutes with ten men as Maniche was sent off for a foul on Arturo Vidal.