Bremen add to Stuttgart's problems
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Article summary
VfB Stuttgart's unhappy title defence continued with a 4-1 defeat at Werder Bremen while Hertha BSC Berlin went top by beating BV Borussia Dortmund 3-2.
Article body
VfB Stuttgart's erratic defence of the Bundesliga crown continued with a 4-1 defeat at Werder Bremen while Hertha BSC Berlin are the new leaders following a 3-2 win against BV Borussia Dortmund.
Early double
Armin Veh's side were caught cold at the Weserstadion by their fellow UEFA Champions League contenders as Hugo Almeida scored twice inside the first five minutes. Stuttgart gave themselves a foothold in the game on 13 minutes when Mario Gómez pulled a goal back but that joy was short-lived as Boubacar Sanogo made it 3-1 within seconds. The visitors had five players booked as their frustration grew and Diego completed their misery late on. Stuttgart are now 13th while Bremen sit in seventh place.
Dortmund defeated
Hertha moved to the summit after coming from behind to beat Dortmund. Mladen Petrić put the visitors in front but Marko Pantelić equalised before the break. Lúcio and Solomon Okoronkwo completed the turnaround though Petrić pulled one back late on. FC Bayern München can reclaim first place on Sunday with a point against Karlsruher SC, who could overtake everyone with a three-goal win. Eintracht Frankfurt are now third, having missed out on top spot with a 0-0 Friday draw at VfL Bochum 1848.
Schalke success
DSC Arminia Bielefeld would have ended Saturday leading the standings but lost 3-0 at FC Schalke 04. Kevin Kuranyi, Gerald Asamoah and Rafinha scored to move Mirko Slomka's unbeaten side into fourth. Hamburger SV are fifth as Rafael van der Vaart's 53rd-minute strike was enough to see off 1. FC Nürnberg.
Rostock off mark
FC Hansa Rostock earned their first points of 2007/08 with a 2-0 victory against MSV Duisburg. Winless FC Energie Cottbus are now bottom after losing 2-1 at home to VfL Wolfsburg, Jacek Krzynówek deciding the game late on.