Top four contenders Stuttgart held 1-1 by lowly Bremen
Stuttgart's Ermedin Demiroviae celebrates scoring his side's first goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between VfB Stuttgart and Werder Bremen at MHPArena. Bernd Weißbrod/dpa VfB Stuttgart were held 1-1 by lowly Werder Bremen on Sunday which could hurt their top four ambitions in the Bundesliga. Bremen led from Jens Stage's low shot into the far left corner in the 18th minute while substitute Ermedin Demirović headed the equalizer in the 61st minute.
Stage missed a big chance to restore Bremen's lead but the one point at least saw them move six points clear of the danger zone with three games left. Stuttgart, who appeared a little tired after beating Freiburg in extra time in a German Cup semi-final on Thursday, had a final chance from Demirović which was saved by goalkeeper Mio Backhaus. They returned into fourth place but only on goal difference over Hoffenheim, who they visit next weekend.
Bayer Leverkusen are lurking two points behind them in sixth place. The top four qualify for the next Champions League. Second-placed Borussia Dortmund can clinch a top four finish later Sunday with victory against Europa League semi-finalists Freiburg who are chasing seventh place to qualify for the Conference League.
Bremen players celebrate their side's first goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between VfB Stuttgart and Werder Bremen at MHPArena. Bernd Weißbrod/dpa Stuttgart's Tiago Tomas (L) and Werder Bremen's Karim Coulibaly battle for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between VfB Stuttgart and Werder Bremen at MHPArena. Bernd Weißbrod/dpa