Aleix García opened the scoring with a stunning early free-kick before Patrik Schick doubled Leverkusen’s advantage after the break. Said El Mala grabbed a late consolation for the hosts, but it was not enough to prevent the visitors from claiming all three points.
Leverkusen made an excellent start to the derby and were rewarded after just seven minutes. Following a foul on Schick just outside the penalty area, García stepped up and curled a superb free-kick into the top-left corner, leaving Marvin Schwäbe with no chance.
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The visitors almost doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, with Ibrahim Maza and Malik Tillman both denied by Schwäbe following a dangerous attacking move. Schick had also threatened earlier in the opening exchanges, forcing the Cologne goalkeeper into an excellent save from close range.
However, the hosts gradually found their feet and came close to an equaliser in the 11th minute. A low delivery from Borna Sosa found Sebastian Sebulonsen completely unmarked at the back post, but the full-back’s effort was straight at Mark Flekken.
Cologne continued to look for opportunities through El Mala and the left-hand side, but Leverkusen remained dangerous whenever they moved forward. Maza caused particular problems for the hosts, while Tom Krauß and Facundo Medina both received yellow cards during a competitive first half.
Despite Cologne enjoying periods of pressure, Leverkusen largely controlled proceedings and went into the interval with a deserved advantage.
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The visitors maintained their advantage after the restart and eventually found a second goal through Schick, putting themselves in a commanding position as they looked to secure the derby victory.
Cologne refused to give up, however, and El Mala found the net late on to reduce the deficit and give the home supporters hope of a dramatic comeback.
Despite the late pressure, Leverkusen held on to secure a valuable 2-1 victory and return to winning ways in the Bundesliga.
The result provides a timely boost for Leverkusen following consecutive Bundesliga defeats against Hoffenheim and Stuttgart, as well as Thursday’s Europa League loss to Marseille.
For Cologne, meanwhile, the defeat represents a frustrating afternoon in front of their home supporters, with El Mala’s late strike ultimately proving little more than a consolation.
