Podolski double boosts Cologne

Lukas Podolski scored two goals as Cologne got back to winning ways and continued their improved home form as they enjoyed a convincing 3-0 victory over ten-man Augsburg. Podolski gave Cologne the lead after 19 minutes and then converted from the spot five minutes later for a 2-0 advantage. The game was essentially decided on Slawomir Peszko's goal after 56 minutes with the promoted side's miserable afternoon compounded when Torsten Oehrl was given a straight red card in the 75th minute. Cologne have now won three successive home matches without conceding a goal and jump on to 16 points, putting last week's 5-0 defeat by Borussia Dortmund well behind them as well as the midweek loss to Hoffenheim in the DFB-Pokal Cup. Augsburg had not lost in their last three games - a draw and two wins, including midweek in the cup - but remain in the drop zone with eight points. Cologne were calling for a penalty after 11 minutes with the ball hitting Gibril Sankoh's hand in the area, but the referee waved away those appeals. Podolski gave the hosts the lead eight minutes later, though, streaking down the left side before beating Augsburg keeper Simon Jentzsch from six yards. Cologne were awarded a penalty in the 24th minute after Hajime Hosogai brought down Christian Clemens in the box. Podolski stepped up and converted into the lower right corner. The hosts finished the game off in the 56th minute as Peszko back-heeled a clearance attempt by Lorenzo Davids to make it 3-0. Augsburg were close to pulling a goal back with 15 minutes to play, but Akaki Gogia's blast hammered off the left post. And the game was over for good just seconds later when Oehrl saw red for his tackle from behind on Sascha Riether.