Schalke eased past mid-table Energie Cottbus 2-0 to keep their position on top of the Bundesliga table, as Werder Bremen and Stuttgart remain in the hot chase. Two second-half goals sealed the victory for Mirko Slomka's men courtesy of a 59th minute own goal from Tim Rost and a header from defender Marcelo Bordon five minutes later. Schalke are on top of the table with 62 points, two points ahead of second-placed Bremen, who registered a 3-1 victory over strugglers Alemania Aachen earlier on Friday. At the Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion in Stuttgart, a double-salvo from Brazilian striker Cacau gave the home side a 2-0 victory over Bundesliga holders Bayern Munich to limit the Bavarians' chance of repeating last year's triumph.
Bayern lose to Stuttgart Stuttgart occupy third place on 58 points, five clear of fourth-placed Bayern. Borussia Dortmund and Arminia Bielefeld grabbed crucial away victories in their battle against relegation with narrow 1-0 and 3-2 wins over Hertha Berlin and Wolfsburg respectively. Dortmund moved to 12th place with 35 points, while Arminia climbed to the safety zone as they lie 15th on 33 points.
