Lukas Podolski scored on his return to Cologne as Bayern Munich secured a comfortable win at the Mungersdorfer Stadion on Saturday.
Goals from Luca Toni in the 53rd and 60th minutes gave Bayern a deserved lead before substitute Podolski sealed an emphatic win for Bayern in second-half stoppage time.
After defeating Hertha Berlin 4-1 a fortnight ago Jurgen Klinsmann's side appear to have hit form - after drawing their opening two games of the season - with a win that lifts them up to second in the Bundesliga table, just two points behind leaders Hamburg.
Podolski was left on the bench by Klinsmann, as expected, meaning he had to wait for his dream return to the Mungersdorfer Stadion.
Toni and Germany's three-goal hero from midweek Miroslav Klose were shown the faith Podolski craves for from Klinsmann, but it was a defender who almost put Bayern in front in the 14th minute.
Cologne were unable to clear their lines as Toni headed across the face of goal with Daniel van Buyten closing in on an open goal, but a last-ditch clearance from Roda Antar saved the home side.
Bayern were in the ascendancy and a fluid move from Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger set Ze Roberto up for a shot which he never managed to get enough power behind, making life easy for Cologne goalkeeper Faryd Mondragon.
Toni had the next chance as Bayern pegged Cologne back in their own half. The Italy international pulled his shot wide of the post after good work from Schweinsteiger.
Bayern were setting the tone of the game in the second half too and they did not have to wait long before breaking the deadlock.
Toni used all of his height to reach a Schweinsteiger free-kick and head it back across Mandragon into the far corner of his goal in the 53rd minute.
The moment for Podolski to make his entrance came in the 57th minute when he replaced a disappointing Klose, and he was involved in the build-up to Toni's second goal three minutes later.
The ex-Cologne striker sent Ze Roberto free on the left and his delivery was converted expertly by the Italy striker for his and Bayern's second.
Bayern were happy with their lead and Cologne, although far from content to be two behind, could do nothing to get back into the game.
There were signs of resignation in the home team as Toni missed two glorious chances to complete his hat-trick as the clock ran down to Bayern's second consecutive Bundesliga win.
But the game simply could not end without Podolski getting his name on the score sheet, and as soon as his close-range shot had crossed the line, it was time for the referee to bring an end to the proceedings.
