Germany round-up: Stuttgart earn crucial win

Second-placed VfB Stuttgart moved closer to a UEFA Champions League place on Saturday by defeating Hannover 96 2-1 in the 1.Bundesliga to go three points clear of third-placed BV Borussia Dortmund, who were held to a 2-2 draw by VfL Wolfsburg.

Dundee double
Two first-half goals from striker Sean Dundee gave Stuttgart a 2-0 lead and, although Czech striker Jiri Kaufman pulled one back for Hannover with just five minutes to go, Stuttgart held on for the win. Goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand was instrumental in the victory, brilliantly saving a penalty from Greek midfield player Kostas Konstantinidis in the fourth minute.

Ricken opener
Dortmund, meanwhile, took the lead against Wolfsburg after a superb goal from midfield player Lars Ricken in the 16th minute but Pablo Thiam then scored twice within three minutes to put Wolfsburg 2-1 up.

Draw salvaged
Czech playmaker Tomas Rosicky salvaged a draw after 67 minutes for the home sides, whose own chances of qualifying for the Champions League were undermined by the draw.

Runaway winners
Leaders FC Bayern München, who sealed an 18th Bundesliga crown last weekend with an away win against Wolfsburg, stayed 13 points clear at the top thanks to a 1-0 home defeat of 1. FC Kaiserslautern courtesy of a late goal from Samuel Kuffour. The Ghanaian defender provided the Bavarians with a morale-boosting win before they play Kaiserslautern again in the German Cup final on 31 May in Berlin.

Hertha undone
Fourth-placed Hertha BSC Berlin, however, came undone against SV Werder Bremen, losing 4-2 away. Arne Friedrich opened the scoring in the 22nd minute but Mladen Krstajic levelled just five minutes later.

Two for Charisteas
Angelos Charisteas increased the advantage just before the break and was on target again with 13 minutes to seal all three points. Torben Max pulled a goal back for Hertha, but by then it was too late to affect the result.

Bochum held
Elsewhere, mid-table VfL Bochum 1848 were held to a 1-1 draw by relegation threatened VfL Borssia Mönchengladbach, in 14th. Mikael Forsell put the latter ahead in the 19th minute but Thomas Christiansen equalised immediately afterwards.

Lauth class
TSV 1860 München defeated second bottom side 1.FC Nürnberg 2-1 thanks to two second-half goals from Benjamin Lauth. Martin Driller had given the home team the lead in the first minute.

Cottbus on the brink
Bottom club FC Energie Cottbus had to be content with a scoreless draw in their match with Hamburger SV and are virtually relegated, nine points away from safety. In Sunday's matches, struggling Bayer 04 Leverkusen take on DSC Arminia Bielefeld and FC Hansa Rostock meet FC Schalke 04.