Stuttgart on course for Champions League

Only goal
The Germany striker headed the only goal of the game from a corner on ten minutes to help Stuttgart consolidate third place and stay in contention for a place in at least the qualifying round of European club football's showcase event.

Köln struggle
In the other match on Sunday, Hannover 96 boosted their chances of escaping relegation by beating bottom club 1. FC Köln 1-0 with a first-half goal from striker Thomas Brdaric. The northerners climb up to eleventh place but Köln are virtually certain to be relegated.