Wellington spares Hoffenheim's blushes

Bundesliga pacesetters TSG 1899 Hoffenheim needed a late goal from Wellington to avoid defeat at bottom side VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach while Hamburger SV lost ground on the leaders with a 3-2 loss at Karlsruher SC.

Late leveller
Mönchengladbach had been on the verge of a shock win against Hoffenheim when attacking midfielder Alexander Baumjohann – who will join FC Bayern München next season – nudged the hosts in front on the stroke of half-time. However, Wellington struck in the 89th minute for the visitors to extend their lead at the top of the table to two points.

Freis winner
Third-placed Hamburg could not take advantage, though, despite opening up a two-goal lead at Karlsruhe. José Paolo Guerrero (6) and Collin Benjamin (48) had put the away team in control by the start of the second half but two goals in quick succession brought the home side back into it and Sebastian Freis secured the points in the last minute. Bayer 04 Leverkusen missed the chance to join Martin Jol's side on 36 points after going down 4-2 at home to VfB Stuttgart with Mario Gómez scoring twice.

Schalke success
Defender Benedikt Höwedes was the match-winner for FC Schalke 04 as they picked up their first league win of 2009 with a 1-0 home triumph over UEFA Cup contenders Werder Bremen. There was also a win for VfL Wolfsburg, who overcame VfL Bochum 1848 thanks to a double strike from Edin Džeko, while Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Köln played out a 2-2 draw.