Playmaker Diego scored the hosts' first from the spot on 15 minutes, before fellow Brazilian Naldo doubled Bremen's advantage in the 45th minute.

In the second half Milivoje Novakovic pulled one back for Cologne. However, Portuguese striker Hugo Almeida put the result beyond doubt by adding a third on 55 minutes.

Bremen, who have been suffering from a dismal league form since the start of the season are now in seventh position with 20 points, one point ahead of tenth-placed Cologne.