Hamburg remain on course for the Champions League after a 2-1 win over Hannover kept them in second place.

Mladen Petric scored after one and 52 minutes for the home side with Mikael Forssell netting Hannover's consolation with 20 minutes to go.

Hertha Berlin are fourth in the standings after a 2-0 win over mid-table Werder Bremen.

Per Mertesacker gave the visitors the lead two minutes before half-time but a late comeback netted Hertha all three points.

Josip Simunic levelled the scores after 71 minutes and Rafael added a second three minutes from the final whistle to secure a win for the home side.