Two first-half goals in two minutes by Anthony Modeste and Leonardo Bittencourt and a third by Modeste shortly before the interval were
enough for Cologne, who move to seven points from three matches.

Their lead at the top could be short lived, with champions Bayern Munich hoping to maintain their perfect start when they entertain
Ingolstadt on Saturday.

Hertha Berlin, also on six points from two games, greet Schalke on Sunday.

Modeste put Cologne ahead with a glancing header from a Marcel Risse corner in the 29th minute, and Bittencourt quickly followed up when
Yuya Osako squared the ball across goal.

French striker Modeste then headed in his second in the 43rd minute from a simple long throw-in by Frederik Soerensen.

The win ended a run of four defeats by ologne against promoted Freiburg, who have three points from three games.