Liverpool triumph relieves pressure on Benitez
LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Liverpool bounced back from their premature Champions League exit to beat neighbours Everton 2-0 on Sunday, a result which relieved some of the pressure that has been building on manager Rafa Benitez.
Javier Mascherano's long range 12th minute effort, which took a heavy deflection off defender Joseph Yobo, set Liverpool on their way before Dirk Kuyt sealed victory 11 minutes from time.
It was enough to put a smile back on the face of Benitez, who has come under pressure since the five-times European champions were eliminated from the group stages of the Champions League in midweek.
The win lifted Liverpool into the top five while problems continue to mount for Everton, who were the better side for long periods.
Having won just once in 11 games, David Moyes's strugglers are three points above the relegation zone.
Benitez had demanded an aggressive, high-tempo start from his players and he got one as his side took control inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour - thanks to a huge slice of fortune.
Liverpool have found themselves out of luck on the injury front this term while they were undone at Sunderland last month by a beachball, Darren Bent's effort deceiving keeper Jose Reina after hitting an inflatable object as Benitez's side lost 1-0 on Wearside.
But this time Liverpool profited from a stroke of good fortune in the 12th minute as Mascherano, one goal in his previous 71 Premier League outings for the club, attempted to find the target from 25-yards.
The south American is not renowned for his accuracy from distance and his shot was drifting well wide before taking a heavy deflection off Yobo and finding the net with Tim Howard rooted to his line.
Mascherano celebrated as though he had scored the winning goal for Argentina in the World Cup final yet the Premier League's dubious goals panel is almost certain to award to as an own goal.
It was just the start Everton, their confidence fragile following a run of one win in 10 outings, did not want.
History was against Moyes, who had tasted success just twice over Benitez on the Premier League stage in five years.
Yet despite missing key players Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta due to long-term injuries, and Louis Saha, scorer of 10 goals this season, unable to start because he is not fully fit, Everton refused to feel sorry for themselves.
They went on to carve out a string of chances without managing to hurt Liverpool before half time.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, playing in his first Merseyside derby, spurned the best chance, the Russian screwing a shot horribly wide from the edge of the six-yard area after the Liverpool defence fell asleep.
Jo, spearheading the attack on his own in place of Saha, twice had the ball in the back of the net but both efforts were ruled out for offside.
Liverpool, again missing the razor sharp reactions of Fernando Torres in attack, seemed content to soak up spells of Everton pressure in an error-strewn match which summed up why both teams are not firing on all cylinders.
Yet it required a superbly saved by Howard to ensure Liverpool did not double their lead in the closing moments of the half.
Johnson was once again as impressive going forward as he was in defence, and it was the England full-back's pinpoint cross into the area which allowed Emiliano Insua to power a header towards goal which Howard did well to claw away.
The second half saw Everton continue to press, the impressive Steven Pienaar coming close to embarrassing Jose Reina with a long range effort which the Liverpool keeper failed to hold in the driving rain.
But Reina quickly redeemed himself with a double save to deny Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini 20 minutes from time.
Having kept out Cahill's close range header, the Spanish international quickly picked himself up to block Fellaini's effort from point-blank range.
But Liverpool sealed victory in the 79th minute through Kuyt, the Holland international scoring from close range after Howard had pushed an effort by substitute Albert Riera into his path.
Liverpool triumph relieves pressure on Benitez
LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Liverpool bounced back from their premature Champions League exit to beat neighbours Everton 2-0 on Sunday, a result which relieved some of the pressure that has been building on manager Rafa Benitez.
Javier Mascherano's long range 12th minute effort, which took a heavy deflection off defender Joseph Yobo, set Liverpool on their way before Dirk Kuyt sealed victory 11 minutes from time.
It was enough to put a smile back on the face of Benitez, who has come under pressure since the five-times European champions were eliminated from the group stages of the Champions League in midweek.
The win lifted Liverpool into the top five while problems continue to mount for Everton, who were the better side for long periods.
Having won just once in 11 games, David Moyes's strugglers are three points above the relegation zone.
Benitez had demanded an aggressive, high-tempo start from his players and he got one as his side took control inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour - thanks to a huge slice of fortune.
Liverpool have found themselves out of luck on the injury front this term while they were undone at Sunderland last month by a beachball, Darren Bent's effort deceiving keeper Jose Reina after hitting an inflatable object as Benitez's side lost 1-0 on Wearside.
But this time Liverpool profited from a stroke of good fortune in the 12th minute as Mascherano, one goal in his previous 71 Premier League outings for the club, attempted to find the target from 25-yards.
The south American is not renowned for his accuracy from distance and his shot was drifting well wide before taking a heavy deflection off Yobo and finding the net with Tim Howard rooted to his line.
Mascherano celebrated as though he had scored the winning goal for Argentina in the World Cup final yet the Premier League's dubious goals panel is almost certain to award to as an own goal.
It was just the start Everton, their confidence fragile following a run of one win in 10 outings, did not want.
History was against Moyes, who had tasted success just twice over Benitez on the Premier League stage in five years.
Yet despite missing key players Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta due to long-term injuries, and Louis Saha, scorer of 10 goals this season, unable to start because he is not fully fit, Everton refused to feel sorry for themselves.
They went on to carve out a string of chances without managing to hurt Liverpool before half time.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, playing in his first Merseyside derby, spurned the best chance, the Russian screwing a shot horribly wide from the edge of the six-yard area after the Liverpool defence fell asleep.
Jo, spearheading the attack on his own in place of Saha, twice had the ball in the back of the net but both efforts were ruled out for offside.
Liverpool, again missing the razor sharp reactions of Fernando Torres in attack, seemed content to soak up spells of Everton pressure in an error-strewn match which summed up why both teams are not firing on all cylinders.
Yet it required a superbly saved by Howard to ensure Liverpool did not double their lead in the closing moments of the half.
Johnson was once again as impressive going forward as he was in defence, and it was the England full-back's pinpoint cross into the area which allowed Emiliano Insua to power a header towards goal which Howard did well to claw away.
The second half saw Everton continue to press, the impressive Steven Pienaar coming close to embarrassing Jose Reina with a long range effort which the Liverpool keeper failed to hold in the driving rain.
But Reina quickly redeemed himself with a double save to deny Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini 20 minutes from time.
Having kept out Cahill's close range header, the Spanish international quickly picked himself up to block Fellaini's effort from point-blank range.
But Liverpool sealed victory in the 79th minute through Kuyt, the Holland international scoring from close range after Howard had pushed an effort by substitute Albert Riera into his path.
Liverpool triumph relieves pressure on Benitez
LIVERPOOL (AFP) - Liverpool bounced back from their premature Champions League exit to beat neighbours Everton 2-0 on Sunday, a result which relieved some of the pressure that has been building on manager Rafa Benitez.
Javier Mascherano's long range 12th minute effort, which took a heavy deflection off defender Joseph Yobo, set Liverpool on their way before Dirk Kuyt sealed victory 11 minutes from time.
It was enough to put a smile back on the face of Benitez, who has come under pressure since the five-times European champions were eliminated from the group stages of the Champions League in midweek.
The win lifted Liverpool into the top five while problems continue to mount for Everton, who were the better side for long periods.
Having won just once in 11 games, David Moyes's strugglers are three points above the relegation zone.
Benitez had demanded an aggressive, high-tempo start from his players and he got one as his side took control inside the opening quarter-of-an-hour - thanks to a huge slice of fortune.
Liverpool have found themselves out of luck on the injury front this term while they were undone at Sunderland last month by a beachball, Darren Bent's effort deceiving keeper Jose Reina after hitting an inflatable object as Benitez's side lost 1-0 on Wearside.
But this time Liverpool profited from a stroke of good fortune in the 12th minute as Mascherano, one goal in his previous 71 Premier League outings for the club, attempted to find the target from 25-yards.
The south American is not renowned for his accuracy from distance and his shot was drifting well wide before taking a heavy deflection off Yobo and finding the net with Tim Howard rooted to his line.
Mascherano celebrated as though he had scored the winning goal for Argentina in the World Cup final yet the Premier League's dubious goals panel is almost certain to award to as an own goal.
It was just the start Everton, their confidence fragile following a run of one win in 10 outings, did not want.
History was against Moyes, who had tasted success just twice over Benitez on the Premier League stage in five years.
Yet despite missing key players Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville and Mikel Arteta due to long-term injuries, and Louis Saha, scorer of 10 goals this season, unable to start because he is not fully fit, Everton refused to feel sorry for themselves.
They went on to carve out a string of chances without managing to hurt Liverpool before half time.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, playing in his first Merseyside derby, spurned the best chance, the Russian screwing a shot horribly wide from the edge of the six-yard area after the Liverpool defence fell asleep.
Jo, spearheading the attack on his own in place of Saha, twice had the ball in the back of the net but both efforts were ruled out for offside.
Liverpool, again missing the razor sharp reactions of Fernando Torres in attack, seemed content to soak up spells of Everton pressure in an error-strewn match which summed up why both teams are not firing on all cylinders.
Yet it required a superbly saved by Howard to ensure Liverpool did not double their lead in the closing moments of the half.
Johnson was once again as impressive going forward as he was in defence, and it was the England full-back's pinpoint cross into the area which allowed Emiliano Insua to power a header towards goal which Howard did well to claw away.
The second half saw Everton continue to press, the impressive Steven Pienaar coming close to embarrassing Jose Reina with a long range effort which the Liverpool keeper failed to hold in the driving rain.
But Reina quickly redeemed himself with a double save to deny Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini 20 minutes from time.
Having kept out Cahill's close range header, the Spanish international quickly picked himself up to block Fellaini's effort from point-blank range.
But Liverpool sealed victory in the 79th minute through Kuyt, the Holland international scoring from close range after Howard had pushed an effort by substitute Albert Riera into his path.
Watford first up for FA Cup holders Chelsea
LONDON (AFP) - Holders Chelsea set out on the first steps towards a defence of their FA Cup crown with a home tie against Championship side Watford, finalists in 1984, in the third round draw made on Sunday.
West Ham will host London rivals Arsenal, who last lifted the trophy in 2005 and have not picked up any silverware since, in one of three all Premier League fixtures.
The other two top-flight affairs see Aston Villa host Blackburn and Hull travel to Wigan.
Everton, the side Chelsea beat under then interim coach Guus Hiddink in last season's final, welcome League One side Carlisle to Goodison Park.
The Toffees' Merseyside rivals, seven-time winners Liverpool, were drawn against second-tier Reading.
Non-league Kettering could be set for a dream trip to Old Trafford to face 11 time winners Manchester United should they manage to negotiate their second round replay with Leeds.
Either Oxford or Barrow will definitely get the chance to claim a Premier League scalp, with the winner of their replay set for a trip to Sunderland's Stadium of Light, while York, from the semi-professional ranks of the Blue Square Premier league (the fifth division) travel to Stoke.
Another non-league side, Staines Town, who forced a replay with 2004 finalists Millwall at Wheatsheaf Park, have the incentive of a home tie with Derby.
The 2008 winners Portsmouth have been drawn at home against Coventry.
Of the remaining Premier League clubs Manchester City will return to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, Tottenham host Peterborough, Bolton are at home to Lincoln, Fulham face Swindon, Wolves will meet either Tranmere or Aldershot and Birmingham are away to Nottingham Forest.
Watford first up for FA Cup holders Chelsea
LONDON (AFP) - Holders Chelsea set out on the first steps towards a defence of their FA Cup crown with a home tie against Championship side Watford, finalists in 1984, in the third round draw made on Sunday.
West Ham will host London rivals Arsenal, who last lifted the trophy in 2005 and have not picked up any silverware since, in one of three all Premier League fixtures.
The other two top-flight affairs see Aston Villa host Blackburn and Hull travel to Wigan.
Everton, the side Chelsea beat under then interim coach Guus Hiddink in last season's final, welcome League One side Carlisle to Goodison Park.
The Toffees' Merseyside rivals, seven-time winners Liverpool, were drawn against second-tier Reading.
Non-league Kettering could be set for a dream trip to Old Trafford to face 11 time winners Manchester United should they manage to negotiate their second round replay with Leeds.
Either Oxford or Barrow will definitely get the chance to claim a Premier League scalp, with the winner of their replay set for a trip to Sunderland's Stadium of Light, while York, from the semi-professional ranks of the Blue Square Premier league (the fifth division) travel to Stoke.
Another non-league side, Staines Town, who forced a replay with 2004 finalists Millwall at Wheatsheaf Park, have the incentive of a home tie with Derby.
The 2008 winners Portsmouth have been drawn at home against Coventry.
Of the remaining Premier League clubs Manchester City will return to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, Tottenham host Peterborough, Bolton are at home to Lincoln, Fulham face Swindon, Wolves will meet either Tranmere or Aldershot and Birmingham are away to Nottingham Forest.
Watford first up for FA Cup holders Chelsea
LONDON (AFP) - Holders Chelsea set out on the first steps towards a defence of their FA Cup crown with a home tie against Championship side Watford, finalists in 1984, in the third round draw made on Sunday.
West Ham will host London rivals Arsenal, who last lifted the trophy in 2005 and have not picked up any silverware since, in one of three all Premier League fixtures.
The other two top-flight affairs see Aston Villa host Blackburn and Hull travel to Wigan.
Everton, the side Chelsea beat under then interim coach Guus Hiddink in last season's final, welcome League One side Carlisle to Goodison Park.
The Toffees' Merseyside rivals, seven-time winners Liverpool, were drawn against second-tier Reading.
Non-league Kettering could be set for a dream trip to Old Trafford to face 11 time winners Manchester United should they manage to negotiate their second round replay with Leeds.
Either Oxford or Barrow will definitely get the chance to claim a Premier League scalp, with the winner of their replay set for a trip to Sunderland's Stadium of Light, while York, from the semi-professional ranks of the Blue Square Premier league (the fifth division) travel to Stoke.
Another non-league side, Staines Town, who forced a replay with 2004 finalists Millwall at Wheatsheaf Park, have the incentive of a home tie with Derby.
The 2008 winners Portsmouth have been drawn at home against Coventry.
Of the remaining Premier League clubs Manchester City will return to Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, Tottenham host Peterborough, Bolton are at home to Lincoln, Fulham face Swindon, Wolves will meet either Tranmere or Aldershot and Birmingham are away to Nottingham Forest.
Blatter breaks silence to reveal Henry support
PARIS (AFP) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he telephoned France captain Thierry Henry to offer him support over his controversial handball in the World Cup play-off win over Ireland.
"I called Thierry, because he tried to get in touch with me," Blatter said, as reported in Sunday's edition of the L'Equipe sport newspaper.
"He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee.
"When I was a centre forward in my junior team, I definitely gained an advantage by pulling a defender's jersey in order to score a goal. And I didn't go and see the referee to tell him about it."
The FIFA chief had previously refused to comment on the incident, prompting criticism from Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive John Delaney.
Blatter added: "In the specific case of the Henry handball, the referee (Martin Hansson) should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."
France's play-off with Ireland was poised at 1-1 on aggregate in the second leg in Paris when Henry controlled the ball with his hand before teeing up William Gallas for the decisive goal, sparking furious protests from the Irish players that were taken up by the Irish government.
Henry's international colleague Karim Benzema also spoke out in defence of his under-fire team-mate.
"I don't think he's a cheat. We mustn't forget everything that he's done for the France team," Benzema said on the TF1 football programme Telefoot broadcast on Sunday morning.
Asked if he realised that Henry had handled the ball in the build-up to Gallas's goal, the Real Madrid striker replied: "No, I didn't know."
"You know, you don't know (how you would react in that situation), it happens quickly," he added.
Henry and Benzema will be on opposing sides in the first 'El Clasico' of the Spanish season on Sunday evening, when Benzema travels to face Barcelona with Real Madrid.
Blatter breaks silence to reveal Henry support
PARIS (AFP) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he telephoned France captain Thierry Henry to offer him support over his controversial handball in the World Cup play-off win over Ireland.
"I called Thierry, because he tried to get in touch with me," Blatter said, as reported in Sunday's edition of the L'Equipe sport newspaper.
"He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee.
"When I was a centre forward in my junior team, I definitely gained an advantage by pulling a defender's jersey in order to score a goal. And I didn't go and see the referee to tell him about it."
The FIFA chief had previously refused to comment on the incident, prompting criticism from Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive John Delaney.
Blatter added: "In the specific case of the Henry handball, the referee (Martin Hansson) should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."
France's play-off with Ireland was poised at 1-1 on aggregate in the second leg in Paris when Henry controlled the ball with his hand before teeing up William Gallas for the decisive goal, sparking furious protests from the Irish players that were taken up by the Irish government.
Henry's international colleague Karim Benzema also spoke out in defence of his under-fire team-mate.
"I don't think he's a cheat. We mustn't forget everything that he's done for the France team," Benzema said on the TF1 football programme Telefoot broadcast on Sunday morning.
Asked if he realised that Henry had handled the ball in the build-up to Gallas's goal, the Real Madrid striker replied: "No, I didn't know."
"You know, you don't know (how you would react in that situation), it happens quickly," he added.
Henry and Benzema will be on opposing sides in the first 'El Clasico' of the Spanish season on Sunday evening, when Benzema travels to face Barcelona with Real Madrid.
Blatter breaks silence to reveal Henry support
PARIS (AFP) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he telephoned France captain Thierry Henry to offer him support over his controversial handball in the World Cup play-off win over Ireland.
"I called Thierry, because he tried to get in touch with me," Blatter said, as reported in Sunday's edition of the L'Equipe sport newspaper.
"He was honest by admitting that he did use his hand, but it wasn't his responsibility to tell the referee.
"When I was a centre forward in my junior team, I definitely gained an advantage by pulling a defender's jersey in order to score a goal. And I didn't go and see the referee to tell him about it."
The FIFA chief had previously refused to comment on the incident, prompting criticism from Football Association of Ireland (FAI) chief executive John Delaney.
Blatter added: "In the specific case of the Henry handball, the referee (Martin Hansson) should have taken the time to reflect rather than immediately awarding the goal."
France's play-off with Ireland was poised at 1-1 on aggregate in the second leg in Paris when Henry controlled the ball with his hand before teeing up William Gallas for the decisive goal, sparking furious protests from the Irish players that were taken up by the Irish government.
Henry's international colleague Karim Benzema also spoke out in defence of his under-fire team-mate.
"I don't think he's a cheat. We mustn't forget everything that he's done for the France team," Benzema said on the TF1 football programme Telefoot broadcast on Sunday morning.
Asked if he realised that Henry had handled the ball in the build-up to Gallas's goal, the Real Madrid striker replied: "No, I didn't know."
"You know, you don't know (how you would react in that situation), it happens quickly," he added.
Henry and Benzema will be on opposing sides in the first 'El Clasico' of the Spanish season on Sunday evening, when Benzema travels to face Barcelona with Real Madrid.
PSG blow as Coupet ruled out for three months
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery late Saturday on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said Sunday.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over tabletoppers Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have done worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The goalie arrived this summer for two seasons and is expected to be replaced by Armenian-Cameroonian Edel who stepped in on Saturday.
The injury is another blow for the former Lyon stalwart and France internPSG blow as Coupet ruled out for three months
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery late Saturday on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said Sunday.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over tabletoppers Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have done worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The goalie arrived this summer for two seasons and is expected to be replaced by Armenian-Cameroonian Edel who stepped in on Saturday.
The injury is another blow for the former Lyon stalwart and France internPSG blow as Coupet ruled out for three months
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery late Saturday on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said Sunday.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over tabletoppers Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have done worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The goalie arrived this summer for two seasons and is expected to be replaced by Armenian-Cameroonian Edel who stepped in on Saturday.
The injury is another blow for the former Lyon stalwart and France internPSG blow as Coupet ruled out for three months
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery late Saturday on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said Sunday.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over tabletoppers Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have done worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The goalie arrived this summer for two seasons and is expected to be replaced by Armenian-Cameroonian Edel who stepped in on Saturday.
The injury is another blow for the former Lyon stalwart and France international, who was sidelined for months in 2007 with damaged cruciate ligaments.
PSG blow as Coupet ruled out for three months
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint Germain goalkeeper Gregory Coupet will be out of action for at least three months after undergoing surgery late Saturday on his broken left ankle, the French first division club said Sunday.
The 36-year-old picked up the injury during Saturday's 1-0 win over tabletoppers Auxerre and club doctor Eric Rolland noted that Coupet was lucky not to have done worse damage to his leg.
Coupet's leg buckled underneath him after he caught his studs in the turf while making an 82nd-minute clearance.
The goalie arrived this summer for two seasons and is expected to be replaced by Armenian-Cameroonian Edel who stepped in on Saturday.
The injury is another blow for the former Lyon stalwart and France international, who was sidelined for months in 2007 with damaged cruciate ligaments.
Kiessling treble sends Leverkusen top, Bayern go fourth
BERLIN (AFP) - A superb hattrick from German international striker Stefan Kiessling sent unbeaten Leverkusen top of the Bundesliga on Sunday after blitzing hapless Stuttgart 4-0.
But Bayern Munich also served notice they intend to have a say in the title race despite a sluggish start, whipping Hanover 3-0 away to jump up into fourth spot.
Crowd trouble put a blot on proceedings, police making 85 arrests after violence flared Friday as local rivals Bochum and Cologne faced off while 60 arrests followed ahead of Saturday's encounter between rock bottom Hertha Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt, who won 3-1.
More arrests followed amid scuffles after Hamburg fans brought traffic to a standstill before a draw at Mainz.
Jupp Heynckes' Leverkusen rose above the turmoil to move on to 30 points, three clear of Werder Bremen, who had gone top Saturday after a 2-2 home draw with reigning champions Wolfsburg.
Kiessling took his league haul to a league best 12, volleying home the first on 22 minutes after ex-Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia headed on.
Swiss star Eren Derdiyok headed the second seven minutes before the break past veteran Stuttgart keeper Jens Lehmann.
Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel was powerless to stem the tide as Toni Kroos picked out Kiessling on the hour for the third.
Lehmann then dragged down the marauding Derdiyok in the box three minutes from time to allow Kiessling the chance to complete his treble from the penalty spot before taking the crowd's ovation a minute from time as he gave way to Patrick Helmes, returning from injury.
Leverkusen are hoping to stay the course and finally lift the title after several near misses - most notably in 2002 when, with stars such as Michael Ballack in the side, they came second in the league as well as losing the Champions League final and the German Cup final.
Stuttgart in contrast stand second bottom.
In brushing Hanover aside, Louis Van Gaal's Bayern emphatically ended a run of three draws to leapfrog Hamburg on goal difference and move fourth on 24 points.
The atmosphere was coloured for Hanover by the match being their first at home since the recent suicide of their Germany international keeper Robert Enke.
Thomas Muller notched Bayern's opener after 19 minutes, converting a cross from Ivica Olic for his eighth goal of the season.
Olic headed the crucial second two minutes after the break and Mario Gomez put the icing on the cake in injury time as Bayern reduced the gap on Leverkusen to six points.
On Saturday, Werder Bremen had thanked a last-gasp equaliser from Per Mertesacker for their draw with Wolfsburg.
Bosnian sharpshooter Edin Dzeko had opened the scoring three minutes before the break for Wolfsburg, who slid to eighth after Bayern's win.
Portuguese star Hugo Almeida levelled but Dzeko's second five minutes from time looked to have settled it for the visitors until Mertesacker struck in injury time with a header to preserve their 20-match unbeaten sequence.
Schalke had hoped to take advantage of Werder's slip with a win at struggling Borussia Moenchengladbach but instead went down 1-0 with Marco Reus scoring after just five minutes.
The loss was Schalke's first on their travels since last May but Felix Magath's side stay in touch on 25 points in third place.
Hamburg could only manage a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Mainz while Hoffenheim were unable to take advantage of that stalemate as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Dortmund to stay fifth.
At the other end of the table, Hertha Berlin look a solid bet for the drop after a 3-1 home loss to Eintracht Frankfurt - their 11th defeat of the campaign - left the capital club seven points from safety.
Inter eight clear after Cagliari stun Juve
ROME (AFP) - Sardinian minnows Cagliari stunned Juventus 2-0 allowing leaders Inter Milan to open up an eight-point lead at the top of Serie A following a controversial 1-0 success over Fiorentina.
AC Milan could cut the gap to seven points if they win away to Catania in Sunday's late match.
Juve's title chances took a serious hit as they were well beaten by an energetic Cagliari team who won their fifth match in six - their only defeat in that spell a thrilling 4-3 reverse at the San Siro against Milan.
It means Juve now have a must win clash at home to Inter next weekend, but coach Ciro Ferrara was more interested about the points lost this week.
"Were Juve disappointing, I think we were watching different games," he said when asked about the match.
"In the first half we had some difficulties but in the second we had several chances.
"Of course I'm disappointed about the gap to Inter and our inconsistent performances but today's defeat wasn't deserved," he added.
Inter coach Jose Mourinho said the gap between the two teams was irrelevant, before swatting away questions about Inter's confidence since being beaten 2-0 by Barcelona in midweek, pointing out that their main rivals had suffered much worse defeats this season.
"Being eight points ahead of them doesn't matter, it could be five or we could be level it doesn't change anything, we will be going to Turin to win," he said.
"They (Barca) destroyed us, that's the right word but I believe other defeats have hurt Italian football more, such as a home loss to FC Zurich (Milan were beaten 1-0 in the San Siro) or one away to Bordeaux (where Juve lost 2-0)."
In Sardinia, Cagliari had much the better of the first period and deservedly took the lead on the half hour through a sensational goal by Brazilian Nene.
From a quickly taken free-kick he took a touch and hit a rocket into the top corner from 25 yards and at an angle that beat Buffon at his near post.
Four minutes into the second period Juve had the ball in the net when Amauri headed home Martin Caceres's cross but it was ruled out for a narrow offside.
Moments later an Andrea Cossu cross clearly hit Caceres on the arm in the Juve box but controversially the referee waved play on.
Francesco Pissano saved Cagliari 10 minutes from time with a crucial diving block to stop a Christian Molinaro volley from six yards out before goalkeeper Federico Marchetti palmed away a dangerous Alessandro Del Piero free-kick.
Substitute Alessandro Matri sealed the victory a minute from time as he ran onto a Jeda flick-on, beat Fabio Cannavaro on the outside and shot under Buffon.
Inter dominated Fiorentina but needed a helping hand from the referee to turn that into three points.
Muntari Sulley had two good chances for Inter in the early stages but twice shot wide, and then Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma, making a rare start for Inter, hit a cross shot just past the far post on the half hour.
On 50 minutes Walter Samuel headed home from a corner for Inter but his effort was ruled out as he had a solid grip on Dario Dainelli's shirt.
Samuel's centre-back partner Lucio had two good chances but hit a fierce free-kick straight at Frey before heading wide from six yards.
On 65 minutes Milito was played in by Dejan Stankovic but with only Frey to beat he curled his shot wide of the far post.
Late on Antonio Gilardino almost stunned Inter as he wriggled free of the backline and then flicked the ball past Julio Cesar only to see it rebound away off the outside of the post.
Inter finally secured victory thanks to a dubious penalty award after Milito flopped comically to the ground in the box under minimal contact from Gianluca Comotto.
Milito picked himself up to slot home the spot-kick.
Samuel Eto'o could have added insult to injury but Frey made a stunning one-handed save when the Cameroon forward had only the keeper to beat.
Inter eight clear after Cagliari stun Juve
ROME (AFP) - Sardinian minnows Cagliari stunned Juventus 2-0 allowing leaders Inter Milan to open up an eight-point lead at the top of Serie A following a controversial 1-0 success over Fiorentina.
AC Milan could cut the gap to seven points if they win away to Catania in Sunday's late match.
Juve's title chances took a serious hit as they were well beaten by an energetic Cagliari team who won their fifth match in six - their only defeat in that spell a thrilling 4-3 reverse at the San Siro against Milan.
It means Juve now have a must win clash at home to Inter next weekend, but coach Ciro Ferrara was more interested about the points lost this week.
"Were Juve disappointing, I think we were watching different games," he said when asked about the match.
"In the first half we had some difficulties but in the second we had several chances.
"Of course I'm disappointed about the gap to Inter and our inconsistent performances but today's defeat wasn't deserved," he added.
Inter coach Jose Mourinho said the gap between the two teams was irrelevant, before swatting away questions about Inter's confidence since being beaten 2-0 by Barcelona in midweek, pointing out that their main rivals had suffered much worse defeats this season.
"Being eight points ahead of them doesn't matter, it could be five or we could be level it doesn't change anything, we will be going to Turin to win," he said.
"They (Barca) destroyed us, that's the right word but I believe other defeats have hurt Italian football more, such as a home loss to FC Zurich (Milan were beaten 1-0 in the San Siro) or one away to Bordeaux (where Juve lost 2-0)."
In Sardinia, Cagliari had much the better of the first period and deservedly took the lead on the half hour through a sensational goal by Brazilian Nene.
From a quickly taken free-kick he took a touch and hit a rocket into the top corner from 25 yards and at an angle that beat Buffon at his near post.
Four minutes into the second period Juve had the ball in the net when Amauri headed home Martin Caceres's cross but it was ruled out for a narrow offside.
Moments later an Andrea Cossu cross clearly hit Caceres on the arm in the Juve box but controversially the referee waved play on.
Francesco Pissano saved Cagliari 10 minutes from time with a crucial diving block to stop a Christian Molinaro volley from six yards out before goalkeeper Federico Marchetti palmed away a dangerous Alessandro Del Piero free-kick.
Substitute Alessandro Matri sealed the victory a minute from time as he ran onto a Jeda flick-on, beat Fabio Cannavaro on the outside and shot under Buffon.
Inter dominated Fiorentina but needed a helping hand from the referee to turn that into three points.
Muntari Sulley had two good chances for Inter in the early stages but twice shot wide, and then Portugal winger Ricardo Quaresma, making a rare start for Inter, hit a cross shot just past the far post on the half hour.
On 50 minutes Walter Samuel headed home from a corner for Inter but his effort was ruled out as he had a solid grip on Dario Dainelli's shirt.
Samuel's centre-back partner Lucio had two good chances but hit a fierce free-kick straight at Frey before heading wide from six yards.
On 65 minutes Milito was played in by Dejan Stankovic but with only Frey to beat he curled his shot wide of the far post.
Late on Antonio Gilardino almost stunned Inter as he wriggled free of the backline and then flicked the ball past Julio Cesar only to see it rebound away off the outside of the post.
Inter finally secured victory thanks to a dubious penalty award after Milito flopped comically to the ground in the box under minimal contact from Gianluca Comotto.
Milito picked himself up to slot home the spot-kick.
Samuel Eto'o could have added insult to injury but Frey made a stunning one-handed save when the Cameroon forward had only the keeper to beat.
Kiessling treble sends Leverkusen top, Bayern go fourth
BERLIN (AFP) - A superb hattrick from German international striker Stefan Kiessling sent unbeaten Leverkusen top of the Bundesliga on Sunday after blitzing hapless Stuttgart 4-0.
But Bayern Munich also served notice they intend to have a say in the title race despite a sluggish start, whipping Hanover 3-0 away to jump up into fourth spot.
Crowd trouble put a blot on proceedings, police making 85 arrests after violence flared Friday as local rivals Bochum and Cologne faced off while 60 arrests followed ahead of Saturday's encounter between rock bottom Hertha Berlin and Eintracht Frankfurt, who won 3-1.
More arrests followed amid scuffles after Hamburg fans brought traffic to a standstill before a draw at Mainz.
Jupp Heynckes' Leverkusen rose above the turmoil to move on to 30 points, three clear of Werder Bremen, who had gone top Saturday after a 2-2 home draw with reigning champions Wolfsburg.
Kiessling took his league haul to a league best 12, volleying home the first on 22 minutes after ex-Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia headed on.
Swiss star Eren Derdiyok headed the second seven minutes before the break past veteran Stuttgart keeper Jens Lehmann.
Stuttgart coach Markus Babbel was powerless to stem the tide as Toni Kroos picked out Kiessling on the hour for the third.
Lehmann then dragged down the marauding Derdiyok in the box three minutes from time to allow Kiessling the chance to complete his treble from the penalty spot before taking the crowd's ovation a minute from time as he gave way to Patrick Helmes, returning from injury.
Leverkusen are hoping to stay the course and finally lift the title after several near misses - most notably in 2002 when, with stars such as Michael Ballack in the side, they came second in the league as well as losing the Champions League final and the German Cup final.
Stuttgart in contrast stand second bottom.
In brushing Hanover aside, Louis Van Gaal's Bayern emphatically ended a run of three draws to leapfrog Hamburg on goal difference and move fourth on 24 points.
The atmosphere was coloured for Hanover by the match being their first at home since the recent suicide of their Germany international keeper Robert Enke.
Thomas Muller notched Bayern's opener after 19 minutes, converting a cross from Ivica Olic for his eighth goal of the season.
Olic headed the crucial second two minutes after the break and Mario Gomez put the icing on the cake in injury time as Bayern reduced the gap on Leverkusen to six points.
On Saturday, Werder Bremen had thanked a last-gasp equaliser from Per Mertesacker for their draw with Wolfsburg.
Bosnian sharpshooter Edin Dzeko had opened the scoring three minutes before the break for Wolfsburg, who slid to eighth after Bayern's win.
Portuguese star Hugo Almeida levelled but Dzeko's second five minutes from time looked to have settled it for the visitors until Mertesacker struck in injury time with a header to preserve their 20-match unbeaten sequence.
Schalke had hoped to take advantage of Werder's slip with a win at struggling Borussia Moenchengladbach but instead went down 1-0 with Marco Reus scoring after just five minutes.
The loss was Schalke's first on their travels since last May but Felix Magath's side stay in touch on 25 points in third place.
Hamburg could only manage a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Mainz while Hoffenheim were unable to take advantage of that stalemate as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at home to Dortmund to stay fifth.
At the other end of the table, Hertha Berlin look a solid bet for the drop after a 3-1 home loss to Eintracht Frankfurt - their 11th defeat of the campaign - left the capital club seven points from safety.
Bordeaux back on top of French pile
PARIS (AFP) - Bordeaux marched two points clear of the chasing pack in the French league on Sunday with a 3-0 win at modest Nancy to end a sticky run of two straight domestic losses.
Although Laurent Blanc's Girondins have dominated their Champions League group at the expense of Juventus and Bayern Munich they had slipped up in their last league outings at Lille and against Valenciennes to leave the field clear to Auxerre.
But Auxerre's 1-0 loss Saturday at Paris Saint Germain gave the southwesterners the chance to move back to the summit and they did not let the chance slip, with Brazilian pair Fernando and Wendel and Gouffran all hitting the target at the Stade Marcel Picot.
Blanc was well satisfied after his side took their points tally to 28 from 14 games with Auxerre on 26, surprise package Lorient on 25 and Lyon - in action in the late match at home to Rennes on 25.
"I think my players realised their performances in the past four matches were not those of a side seeking to place in the top three but rather the bottom three," said the former France defender.
"We realised this could not continue, rediscovered our motivation, and our mobility to put our rivals under pressure. We produced a lot of dangerous situations, created a lot and were solid at the back.
"We have realised we must now put the Champions League to bed until February-March and concentrate on the important thing, which is being able to play in it next season."
Coming off a midweek win over Juventus and already through to the knockout phase in Europe, Bordeaux were further cheered by Lorient dropping two points in a 2-2 draw with winless tailenders Grenoble.
Bordeaux had not scored a win over Nancy since the latter's return to the top flight two seasons ago but after losing three of their last four encounters against the northerners they turned the tables and left their hosts hovering dangerously close to the drop zone.
Even more satisfying for Blanc would have been a win achieved at cruise control in the absence of French international playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, still getting over a groin strain.
Supersub Ibrahimovic wins Clasico for 10-man Barca
MADRID (AFP) - Swedish supersub Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the hero as 10-man Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in an enthralling 'El Clasico' at Camp Nou to move top of the table by two points on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who was exceptional, both started but it was Ibrahimovic, back from injury, who stole the limelight volleying in a 56th minute winner just five minutes after coming on.
"It is such a great feeling especially after just coming back from injury," beamed Ibrahimovic. "The cross from Dani (Alves) was brilliant and I just slotted it in."
Barca were reduced to 10 men when Sergi Busquets stupidly handballed just after the hour mark and needed some heroics from captain Carles Puyol
Real missed some clear-cut chances with Ronaldo spurning a glorious chance to put Real ahead after just 19 minutes.
"We had so many chances so I don't think 1-0 is a fair result," said Real captain Iker Casillas. "I don't really care about the image we portrayed I care about winning games but the luck wasn't with us tonight."
It was a third successive Clasico win for Barca who are still unbeaten this season and nudge Real off the summit holding a two-point lead over their rivals.
Ronaldo started for the first time since the end of September with his ankle holding up. Karim Benzema dropped to the bench and was joined by captain Raul.
Barcelona started with Messi who shrugged off a thigh strain but Ibrahimovic was on the bench with a thigh strain of his own so Thierry Henry kept his place in attack.
It was touted as the Clasico between Real's 'Galacticos', the most expensive team on the planet, and the homegrown talent of Barca's 'cantera' who the most successful team on the planet last season when they won a unique treble.
Real were second best in terms of possession and Messi looked match fit as he thrust at the Real defence twisting Pepe inside out but Henry's poor low shot ended the danger.
Barca were passing like they can do but Real were looking the more dangerous.
On 19 minutes Ronaldo should have scored after Kaka cut inside before sliding the ball across goal but Ronaldo's side-footed shot was saved brilliantly by Victor Valdes using his trailing foot.
It was then Puyol's turn for a heroic block to deny Marcelo on 29 minutes.
Ibrahimovic came on for Henry minutes into the second half and had an immediate impact on his Clasico debut scoring the opener five minutes after coming on.
Dani Alves curled a delightful ball across the face of goal and Ibrahimovic arrived on cue guiding a left-footed volley past Casillas.
Barca looked in control but Busquets was then sent off for handball just after the hour mark and Pep Guardiola was furious with his midfielder.
Supersub Ibrahimovic wins Clasico for 10-man Barca
MADRID (AFP) - Swedish supersub Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the hero as 10-man Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in an enthralling 'El Clasico' at Camp Nou to move top of the table by two points on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who was exceptional, both started but it was Ibrahimovic, back from injury, who stole the limelight volleying in a 56th minute winner just five minutes after coming on.
"It is such a great feeling especially after just coming back from injury," beamed Ibrahimovic. "The cross from Dani (Alves) was brilliant and I just slotted it in."
Barca were reduced to 10 men when Sergi Busquets stupidly handballed just after the hour mark and needed some heroics from captain Carles Puyol
Real missed some clear-cut chances with Ronaldo spurning a glorious chance to put Real ahead after just 19 minutes.
"We had so many chances so I don't think 1-0 is a fair result," said Real captain Iker Casillas. "I don't really care about the image we portrayed I care about winning games but the luck wasn't with us tonight."
It was a third successive Clasico win for Barca who are still unbeaten this season and nudge Real off the summit holding a two-point lead over their rivals.
Ronaldo started for the first time since the end of September with his ankle holding up. Karim Benzema dropped to the bench and was joined by captain Raul.
Barcelona started with Messi who shrugged off a thigh strain but Ibrahimovic was on the bench with a thigh strain of his own so Thierry Henry kept his place in attack.
It was touted as the Clasico between Real's 'Galacticos', the most expensive team on the planet, and the homegrown talent of Barca's 'cantera' who the most successful team on the planet last season when they won a unique treble.
Real were second best in terms of possession and Messi looked match fit as he thrust at the Real defence twisting Pepe inside out but Henry's poor low shot ended the danger.
Barca were passing like they can do but Real were looking the more dangerous.
On 19 minutes Ronaldo should have scored after Kaka cut inside before sliding the ball across goal but Ronaldo's side-footed shot was saved brilliantly by Victor Valdes using his trailing foot.
It was then Puyol's turn for a heroic block to deny Marcelo on 29 minutes.
Ibrahimovic came on for Henry minutes into the second half and had an immediate impact on his Clasico debut scoring the opener five minutes after coming on.
Dani Alves curled a delightful ball across the face of goal and Ibrahimovic arrived on cue guiding a left-footed volley past Casillas.
Barca looked in control but Busquets was then sent off for handball just after the hour mark and Pep Guardiola was furious with his midfielder.
Bordeaux back on top of French pile
PARIS (AFP) - Bordeaux marched two points clear of the chasing pack in the French league on Sunday with a 3-0 win at modest Nancy to end a sticky run of two straight domestic losses.
Although Laurent Blanc's Girondins have dominated their Champions League group at the expense of Juventus and Bayern Munich they had slipped up in their last league outings at Lille and against Valenciennes to leave the field clear to Auxerre.
But Auxerre's 1-0 loss Saturday at Paris Saint Germain gave the southwesterners the chance to move back to the summit and they did not let the chance slip, with Brazilian pair Fernando and Wendel and Gouffran all hitting the target at the Stade Marcel Picot.
Blanc was well satisfied after his side took their points tally to 28 from 14 games with Auxerre on 26, surprise package Lorient on 25 and Lyon - in action in the late match at home to Rennes on 25.
"I think my players realised their performances in the past four matches were not those of a side seeking to place in the top three but rather the bottom three," said the former France defender.
"We realised this could not continue, rediscovered our motivation, and our mobility to put our rivals under pressure. We produced a lot of dangerous situations, created a lot and were solid at the back.
"We have realised we must now put the Champions League to bed until February-March and concentrate on the important thing, which is being able to play in it next season."
Coming off a midweek win over Juventus and already through to the knockout phase in Europe, Bordeaux were further cheered by Lorient dropping two points in a 2-2 draw with winless tailenders Grenoble.
Bordeaux had not scored a win over Nancy since the latter's return to the top flight two seasons ago but after losing three of their last four encounters against the northerners they turned the tables and left their hosts hovering dangerously close to the drop zone.
Even more satisfying for Blanc would have been a win achieved at cruise control in the absence of French international playmaker Yoann Gourcuff, still getting over a groin strain.
Spain move not on the agenda, says ´happy´ Fabregas
LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has brushed off recent speculation linking him with a move back to Spain, saying he is determined to play a role in the Gunners' future successes.
Reports from Spain last week said Real Madrid and European champions Barcelona will battle to sign Fabregas at the end of the season.
However the Spaniard has reiterated his commitment to the Gunners and says he is fully behind the long-term strategy put in place by French manager Arsene Wenger.
"I am so happy here," Fabregas told the Daily Mail. "And I want to continue to be part of what is happening here. Definitely.
"If not I would have left when I had the opportunity, three years ago, two years ago or last year.
"I believe in this team and I feel we can achieve things. The boss believes in us more than anyone, and I feel I am part of it. He makes me see that as well. And I don't want to fail here."
Arsenal welcome league leaders Chelsea to the Emirates stadium on Sunday, where a win for Carlo Ancelotti's side would move them 11 points clear of the Gunners.
Arsenal have been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks and Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy, Nicklas Bendtner, Kieran Gibbs and Abou Diaby will all miss the weekend clash.
Nigeria´s Martins set for surgery
BERLIN (AFP) - VfL Wolfsburg's Nigerian international striker Obafemi Martins will undergo surgery on his left leg that should sideline him for a month, coach Armin Veh said on Saturday.
Veh revealed that Martins, 25, has been struggling with the injury for several months. "He can no longer stand the pain," said Veh.
Signed from Newcastle United last summer for 10 million euros, Martins has played ten times in the Bundesliga and scored five goals for the German champions.
He is hoping to compete in the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola from January 10-31.
Nigeria´s Martins set for surgery
BERLIN (AFP) - VfL Wolfsburg's Nigerian international striker Obafemi Martins will undergo surgery on his left leg that should sideline him for a month, coach Armin Veh said on Saturday.
Veh revealed that Martins, 25, has been struggling with the injury for several months. "He can no longer stand the pain," said Veh.
Signed from Newcastle United last summer for 10 million euros, Martins has played ten times in the Bundesliga and scored five goals for the German champions.
He is hoping to compete in the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola from January 10-31.
Spain move not on the agenda, says ´happy´ Fabregas
LONDON (AFP) - Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has brushed off recent speculation linking him with a move back to Spain, saying he is determined to play a role in the Gunners' future successes.
Reports from Spain last week said Real Madrid and European champions Barcelona will battle to sign Fabregas at the end of the season.
However the Spaniard has reiterated his commitment to the Gunners and says he is fully behind the long-term strategy put in place by French manager Arsene Wenger.
"I am so happy here," Fabregas told the Daily Mail. "And I want to continue to be part of what is happening here. Definitely.
"If not I would have left when I had the opportunity, three years ago, two years ago or last year.
"I believe in this team and I feel we can achieve things. The boss believes in us more than anyone, and I feel I am part of it. He makes me see that as well. And I don't want to fail here."
Arsenal welcome league leaders Chelsea to the Emirates stadium on Sunday, where a win for Carlo Ancelotti's side would move them 11 points clear of the Gunners.
Arsenal have been ravaged by injuries in recent weeks and Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy, Nicklas Bendtner, Kieran Gibbs and Abou Diaby will all miss the weekend clash.
Celtic back on top as Rangers slip up
GLASGOW (AFP) - Celtic got back to winning ways with a 3-1 defeat of St Mirren to return to the top of the Scottish Premier League on Saturday.
The Hoops took full advantage of rivals Rangers' 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen in the early kick-off match to move two points clear at the top.
An uninspiring first-half was lit up with three goals in the final nine minutes. St Mirren defender Chris Innes turned Socceroos striker Scott McDonald's shot past his own keeper in the 38th minute before Georgios Samaras made it two just three minutes later.
Michael Higdon had replaced the injured Andy Dorman and he capitalised on a Marc Crosas mistake to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.
McDonald got on the score-sheet with a superb volley and missed an injury-time penalty as Celtic dominated the second-period.
Celtic manager Tony Mowbray said it had been a good weekend for his team.
"If we get goals it will only build confidence. What we try to do as a football club is to play with a bit of style," the Hoops coach said.
"But, ultimately, today was about taking all three points."
St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson said his side should have done better.
"The goals we lost were preventable and we could have defended better in those situations," the Buddies boss said.
Earlier in the day Rangers' unbeaten start to the league campaign came to an end when Lee Miller's first-half strike was enough to claim a 1-0 for Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The Dons were reduced to ten men on the hour mark when captain Mark Kerr received a second yellow card but Mark McGhee's men held on for the win.
At Parkhead, China captain Zheng Zhi had the first chance of the game when Aiden McGeady picked him out at the far post with a cut-back but Paul Gallacher smothered his tame effort.
Samaras could not take advantage when referee Steve Conroy allowed play to continue despite a foul on the Greek striker, with his shot from just outside the box trundling harmlessly wide.
His strike partner McDonald didn't do any better in the 16th minute when he sent his flicked effort over the bar as the Australian met Andreas Hinkel's cross at the near post.
Just as it looked like the half would end goalless there were three goals in quick succession. Celtic broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when McDonald beat the offside trap from Samaras' perfectly weighted pass to send a low angled shot across Gallacher which hit Innes on the way in.
The Greek got on the score-sheet three minutes later. The St Mirren defence backed off McGeady allowing him to pick out Samaras inside the box and he sent his shot into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.
The Buddies pulled one back on the stroke of half-time. Marc Crosas' failure to deal with a Billy Mehmet cross allowed sub Michael Higdon to smash an angled shot past Lukasz Zaluska. McDonald made it 3-1 after an hour played.
A long ball out of defence from Hinkel found McGeady who whipped in a fierce cross that McDonald volleyed past Gallacher from close range.
Zheng thought he scored in the 76th minute when he nipped in amongst a host of bodies to lash past Gallacher but the China captain was flagged offside.
St Mirren struggled to create chances and Mehmet should have done better when Garry Brady's cross fell to him in a promising position but he volleyed high over the bar.
The Buddies conceded a penalty in injury time when Innes handled in the box. There was confusion as the defender walked up the tunnel despite only receiving a yellow card but he soon returned to see Gallacher pull off a superb double save from McDonald's spot-kick.
Elsewhere Hearts won 2-1 away to Kilmarnock, Hibernian defeated Falkirk 2-0, Motherwell drew 2-2 with Dundee United and St Johnstone versus Hamilton ended 1-1.
Celtic back on top as Rangers slip up
GLASGOW (AFP) - Celtic got back to winning ways with a 3-1 defeat of St Mirren to return to the top of the Scottish Premier League on Saturday.
The Hoops took full advantage of rivals Rangers' 1-0 defeat to Aberdeen in the early kick-off match to move two points clear at the top.
An uninspiring first-half was lit up with three goals in the final nine minutes. St Mirren defender Chris Innes turned Socceroos striker Scott McDonald's shot past his own keeper in the 38th minute before Georgios Samaras made it two just three minutes later.
Michael Higdon had replaced the injured Andy Dorman and he capitalised on a Marc Crosas mistake to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.
McDonald got on the score-sheet with a superb volley and missed an injury-time penalty as Celtic dominated the second-period.
Celtic manager Tony Mowbray said it had been a good weekend for his team.
"If we get goals it will only build confidence. What we try to do as a football club is to play with a bit of style," the Hoops coach said.
"But, ultimately, today was about taking all three points."
St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson said his side should have done better.
"The goals we lost were preventable and we could have defended better in those situations," the Buddies boss said.
Earlier in the day Rangers' unbeaten start to the league campaign came to an end when Lee Miller's first-half strike was enough to claim a 1-0 for Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The Dons were reduced to ten men on the hour mark when captain Mark Kerr received a second yellow card but Mark McGhee's men held on for the win.
At Parkhead, China captain Zheng Zhi had the first chance of the game when Aiden McGeady picked him out at the far post with a cut-back but Paul Gallacher smothered his tame effort.
Samaras could not take advantage when referee Steve Conroy allowed play to continue despite a foul on the Greek striker, with his shot from just outside the box trundling harmlessly wide.
His strike partner McDonald didn't do any better in the 16th minute when he sent his flicked effort over the bar as the Australian met Andreas Hinkel's cross at the near post.
Just as it looked like the half would end goalless there were three goals in quick succession. Celtic broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when McDonald beat the offside trap from Samaras' perfectly weighted pass to send a low angled shot across Gallacher which hit Innes on the way in.
The Greek got on the score-sheet three minutes later. The St Mirren defence backed off McGeady allowing him to pick out Samaras inside the box and he sent his shot into the bottom left-hand corner of the net.
The Buddies pulled one back on the stroke of half-time. Marc Crosas' failure to deal with a Billy Mehmet cross allowed sub Michael Higdon to smash an angled shot past Lukasz Zaluska. McDonald made it 3-1 after an hour played.
A long ball out of defence from Hinkel found McGeady who whipped in a fierce cross that McDonald volleyed past Gallacher from close range.
Zheng thought he scored in the 76th minute when he nipped in amongst a host of bodies to lash past Gallacher but the China captain was flagged offside.
St Mirren struggled to create chances and Mehmet should have done better when Garry Brady's cross fell to him in a promising position but he volleyed high over the bar.
The Buddies conceded a penalty in injury time when Innes handled in the box. There was confusion as the defender walked up the tunnel despite only receiving a yellow card but he soon returned to see Gallacher pull off a superb double save from McDonald's spot-kick.
Elsewhere Hearts won 2-1 away to Kilmarnock, Hibernian defeated Falkirk 2-0, Motherwell drew 2-2 with Dundee United and St Johnstone versus Hamilton ended 1-1.
Bullard on the spot to frustrate City
MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard hit a late penalty to leave Manchester City frustrated again as the Tigers snatched a 1-1 draw at Eastlands on Saturday.
Mark Hughes' side have now drawn seven successive league matches and are in danger of falling behind in the race for a top-four finish.
City, who stay sixth in the Premier League, had taken the lead through Shaun Wright Phillips' deflected strike on the stroke of half time.
But Bullard made no mistake from the spot in the 82nd minute and Hull's players were able to celebrate by sitting down in the corner to recreate manager Phil Brown's half-time team talk in last season's 5-1 defeat here.
Robinho was back in the City side for the first time since picking up an ankle injury at the end of August.
And despite three months of speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona, the Brazilian quickly showed he was in the mood, swapping passes with Emmanuel Adebayor and forcing Hull to desperately clear for a corner.
Hughes was once again forced to deny Micah Richards could be on his way out of City in the build-up to the game but, having been recalled to the side, he almost allowed Hull to score with their first proper attack.
Richard Garcia lobbed a cross in from the right and Richards allowed the ball to come over his shoulder and was lucky to see Stephen Hunt's shot blocked and hacked clear.
But it was all one-way traffic, with Kolo Toure picking out Richards and his cross finding Stephen Ireland, whose flick at goal just flew over the bar.
Robinho was on the top of his game, collecting a pass from Wright-Phillips and skipping past Paul McShane before producing a curling shot that just flew wide of Matt Duke's post.
Duke was worked for the first time after Adebayor slid through for Tevez and the Argentinian's stab at goal was blocked by the legs of the Tigers goalkeeper.
But Robinho was soon getting back in on the act when Nigel De Jong headed into the Hull area and the Brazilian lifted an over-head kick over the bar.
And soon it was Wright-Phillips that was passing up an opportunity with De Jong flicking into his path and the winger firing into the side netting.
Hull threatened again when Geovanni broke from his own half to force a low save from City goalkeeper Shay Given.
But City finally broke the deadlock in added time at the end of the first half.
Tevez burst into the Hull half and slipped the ball to Wright-Phillips and the little winger jinked inside Hunt's challenge and his shot deflected off Anthony Gardner and inside the near post from more than 20 yards.
But Hull should have levelled just a minute after the restart when Jozy Altidore passed through for Garcia and his low shot beat Given but was cleared off the line by Joleon Lescott.
City still looked dangerous and were appealing for a penalty when Wright-Phillips went down after being tugged by Hunt in the area.
And shortly after that Tevez drilled just over the bar and Wright-Phillips thumped a low drive straight at Duke.
Robinho almost celebrated his return to the team with a goal when he beat the wall with a free-kick that flew just wide of Duke's goal.
But with 10 minutes left, referee Lee Probert pointed to the spot after Toure tangled with Jan Venegoor of Hesselink.
Bullard swept in from the spot to provoke celebrations every bit as memorable as Brown's ill-advised team-talk last season.
Bullard on the spot to frustrate City
MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard hit a late penalty to leave Manchester City frustrated again as the Tigers snatched a 1-1 draw at Eastlands on Saturday.
Mark Hughes' side have now drawn seven successive league matches and are in danger of falling behind in the race for a top-four finish.
City, who stay sixth in the Premier League, had taken the lead through Shaun Wright Phillips' deflected strike on the stroke of half time.
But Bullard made no mistake from the spot in the 82nd minute and Hull's players were able to celebrate by sitting down in the corner to recreate manager Phil Brown's half-time team talk in last season's 5-1 defeat here.
Robinho was back in the City side for the first time since picking up an ankle injury at the end of August.
And despite three months of speculation linking him with a move to Barcelona, the Brazilian quickly showed he was in the mood, swapping passes with Emmanuel Adebayor and forcing Hull to desperately clear for a corner.
Hughes was once again forced to deny Micah Richards could be on his way out of City in the build-up to the game but, having been recalled to the side, he almost allowed Hull to score with their first proper attack.
Richard Garcia lobbed a cross in from the right and Richards allowed the ball to come over his shoulder and was lucky to see Stephen Hunt's shot blocked and hacked clear.
But it was all one-way traffic, with Kolo Toure picking out Richards and his cross finding Stephen Ireland, whose flick at goal just flew over the bar.
Robinho was on the top of his game, collecting a pass from Wright-Phillips and skipping past Paul McShane before producing a curling shot that just flew wide of Matt Duke's post.
Duke was worked for the first time after Adebayor slid through for Tevez and the Argentinian's stab at goal was blocked by the legs of the Tigers goalkeeper.
But Robinho was soon getting back in on the act when Nigel De Jong headed into the Hull area and the Brazilian lifted an over-head kick over the bar.
And soon it was Wright-Phillips that was passing up an opportunity with De Jong flicking into his path and the winger firing into the side netting.
Hull threatened again when Geovanni broke from his own half to force a low save from City goalkeeper Shay Given.
But City finally broke the deadlock in added time at the end of the first half.
Tevez burst into the Hull half and slipped the ball to Wright-Phillips and the little winger jinked inside Hunt's challenge and his shot deflected off Anthony Gardner and inside the near post from more than 20 yards.
But Hull should have levelled just a minute after the restart when Jozy Altidore passed through for Garcia and his low shot beat Given but was cleared off the line by Joleon Lescott.
City still looked dangerous and were appealing for a penalty when Wright-Phillips went down after being tugged by Hunt in the area.
And shortly after that Tevez drilled just over the bar and Wright-Phillips thumped a low drive straight at Duke.
Robinho almost celebrated his return to the team with a goal when he beat the wall with a free-kick that flew just wide of Duke's goal.
But with 10 minutes left, referee Lee Probert pointed to the spot after Toure tangled with Jan Venegoor of Hesselink.
Bullard swept in from the spot to provoke celebrations every bit as memorable as Brown's ill-advised team-talk last season.
Duff´s late strike earns Fulham share of the spoils
LONDON (AFP) - Fulham salvaged a share of the spoils against Bolton as Damien Duff's late equaliser earned a 1-1 draw against Bolton on Saturday.
Roy Hodgson's team fell behind to Ivan Klasnic's first half strike at Craven Cottage, but Duff struck with 15 minutes to play to extend the west Londonders' unbeaten run at home to six matches.
Bolton remain in the relegation zone after a fourth successive league game without a win.
Fulham almost went in front in the 16th minute but a superb goal-line clearance from Gretar Steinsson prevented Erik Nevland scoring from six yards.
Nevland almost supplied the perfect pass for Zoltan Gera moments later but again Steinsson read the danger before the former Manchester United striker could finish.
Fulham midfielder Jonathan Greening briefly caused alarm in the Bolton defence with a surging run and shot.
Greening was in the thick of it again when he was booked for a foul on Tamir Cohen, even though replays showed that the Bolton man had dived.
After being pushed back for long periods, Gary Megson's struggling side took the lead against the run of play in the 35th minute.
Croatia striker Klasnic collected a header from Gary Cahill, turned Brede Hangeland six yards fron goal and fired past Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
It was only Bolton's second goal in four games and they were soon under the cosh again at the start of the second half.
Steinsson was in the right place to deny Fulham with another goal-line clearance as the right-back blocked a header from Clint Dempsey.
Gera flashed a volley wide of a post as Fulham pressed for the equaliser before Duff was thwarted by a diving save from Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Jaaskelainen made a superb stop to keep out Nevland's shot but the pressure finally told as Duff levelled in the 75th minute.
Duff collected a pass from Nevland and the Republic of Ireland winger drilled his shot into the bottom corner of the net.
There was still time for Duff to go close to a winner in the 84th minute when his 20-yard drive flashed past a post.
Duff´s late strike earns Fulham share of the spoils
LONDON (AFP) - Fulham salvaged a share of the spoils against Bolton as Damien Duff's late equaliser earned a 1-1 draw against Bolton on Saturday.
Roy Hodgson's team fell behind to Ivan Klasnic's first half strike at Craven Cottage, but Duff struck with 15 minutes to play to extend the west Londonders' unbeaten run at home to six matches.
Bolton remain in the relegation zone after a fourth successive league game without a win.
Fulham almost went in front in the 16th minute but a superb goal-line clearance from Gretar Steinsson prevented Erik Nevland scoring from six yards.
Nevland almost supplied the perfect pass for Zoltan Gera moments later but again Steinsson read the danger before the former Manchester United striker could finish.
Fulham midfielder Jonathan Greening briefly caused alarm in the Bolton defence with a surging run and shot.
Greening was in the thick of it again when he was booked for a foul on Tamir Cohen, even though replays showed that the Bolton man had dived.
After being pushed back for long periods, Gary Megson's struggling side took the lead against the run of play in the 35th minute.
Croatia striker Klasnic collected a header from Gary Cahill, turned Brede Hangeland six yards fron goal and fired past Australia goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
It was only Bolton's second goal in four games and they were soon under the cosh again at the start of the second half.
Steinsson was in the right place to deny Fulham with another goal-line clearance as the right-back blocked a header from Clint Dempsey.
Gera flashed a volley wide of a post as Fulham pressed for the equaliser before Duff was thwarted by a diving save from Jussi Jaaskelainen.
Jaaskelainen made a superb stop to keep out Nevland's shot but the pressure finally told as Duff levelled in the 75th minute.
Duff collected a pass from Nevland and the Republic of Ireland winger drilled his shot into the bottom corner of the net.
There was still time for Duff to go close to a winner in the 84th minute when his 20-yard drive flashed past a post.
Blackburn home run grinds to a halt
BLACKBURN, England (AFP) - A typically gritty display from Stoke denied Blackburn a fifth straight home win as an uninspiring encounter ended goalless.
With Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce absent following minor heart surgery, his players failed to deliver the kind of tonic he would have desired. Stoke enjoyed the better of the chances although it was the home side who went closest to scoring with Steven Nzonzi striking the woodwork.
Australian midfielder Brett Emerton and French duo Gael Givet and Nzonzi returned to the Blackburn line-up after missing the midweek defeat at Fulham.
Stoke made two changes to the side that beat Portsmouth on their last outing, with Liam Lawrence and Mamady Sidibe replacing Rory Delap and James Beattie.
Blackburn started confidently, with on-loan Chelsea striker Franco Di Santo testing Thomas Sorensen early on with a shot the Danish goalkeeper did well to save.
But Stoke should have claimed the lead midway through the opening period after Ricardo Fuller sent Dean Whitehead clear.
The striker's shot was under-powered and Paul Robinson was able to turn it away relatively comfortably.
Blackburn suffered a blow in the 32nd minute when David Dunn, who has scored six goals for Blackburn this season, had to go off, prompting a tactical reshuffle which saw Jason Roberts come on as a second striker alongside Di Santo.
Stoke were happy to play on the counter-attack and that approach generated a great chance to take the lead six minutes before the break, when Robinson pulled off a fine save to deny Lawrence at close range as the midfielder attempted to finish off Sidibe's inviting cross from the right.
Eight minutes into the second half, Andy Wilkinson struck the side netting after getting past Givet.
That seemed to provoke a reaction from the home side and Sorensen had to be alert to keep out an overhead kick from Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen before Nzonzi beat the goalkeeper with a drive that came back off the post.
Chris Samba had the chance to snatch all three points in injury time but the Blackburn centreback headed substitute Morten Gamst Pedersen's cross wide.
Hammers smash five past travel sick Burnley
LONDON (AFP) - West Ham hit top form and continued their climb away from the Premier League relegation zone with a commanding 5-3 victory over Burnley in an entertaining game at Upton Park here on Saturday.
Welsh international midfielder Jack Collison gave the hosts an 18th-minute lead after latching onto Scott Parker's quick free-kick, with Junior Stanislas and top scorer Carlton Cole also on target before the break.
Cole hobbled off early in the second half but Guillermo Franco soon had the home side 4-0 ahead before substitute Luis Jimenez scored from the spot.
Burnley rallied in the second half, with Steven Fletcher scoring twice and Chris Eagles also got on the scoresheet, but it was nonetheless another forgettable away day for Owen Coyle's men, who had Steven Caldwell sent off late on.
The victory, West Ham's third of the season, keeps them in 17th place but they are now just a point behind Everton and Birmingham City, both of whom play on Sunday.
Burnley centre-back Clarke Carlisle had seen a header cleared off the line and Franco had struck the crossbar before Collison put the hosts ahead.
The 21-year-old netted early on to give the Hammers a 2-0 lead in the 3-3 draw at Hull on Wednesday and he was quickly into his goal-scoring stride again, slotting home after Parker had caught the Burnley defence napping.
Stanislas was the next man to break the visitors' offside trap when he broke clear to latch onto Franco's intelligent reverse pass and he finished at the second attempt after Brian Jensen parried his initial effort.
Burnley's form away from Turf Moor has been dire this season, with just a single point picked up on their travels, and they fell three goals down two minutes before the break.
Robbie Blake was adjudged to have fouled full-back Jonathan Spector in the away side's penalty area and England international Cole converted the ensuing spotkick for his seventh league goal of the campaign.
Franco got the goal his performance deserved when he headed home Stanislas's centre on 51 minutes and his replacement Jimenez made it 5-0 with a penalty he had earned after being felled by the unfortunate Jensen.
Both of Fletcher's late goals were set up by Eagles, who then helped himself to his second goal of the season, shortly after Caldwell had been dismissed for dragging back the livewire Zavon Hines.
Hammers smash five past travel sick Burnley
LONDON (AFP) - West Ham hit top form and continued their climb away from the Premier League relegation zone with a commanding 5-3 victory over Burnley in an entertaining game at Upton Park here on Saturday.
Welsh international midfielder Jack Collison gave the hosts an 18th-minute lead after latching onto Scott Parker's quick free-kick, with Junior Stanislas and top scorer Carlton Cole also on target before the break.
Cole hobbled off early in the second half but Guillermo Franco soon had the home side 4-0 ahead before substitute Luis Jimenez scored from the spot.
Burnley rallied in the second half, with Steven Fletcher scoring twice and Chris Eagles also got on the scoresheet, but it was nonetheless another forgettable away day for Owen Coyle's men, who had Steven Caldwell sent off late on.
The victory, West Ham's third of the season, keeps them in 17th place but they are now just a point behind Everton and Birmingham City, both of whom play on Sunday.
Burnley centre-back Clarke Carlisle had seen a header cleared off the line and Franco had struck the crossbar before Collison put the hosts ahead.
The 21-year-old netted early on to give the Hammers a 2-0 lead in the 3-3 draw at Hull on Wednesday and he was quickly into his goal-scoring stride again, slotting home after Parker had caught the Burnley defence napping.
Stanislas was the next man to break the visitors' offside trap when he broke clear to latch onto Franco's intelligent reverse pass and he finished at the second attempt after Brian Jensen parried his initial effort.
Burnley's form away from Turf Moor has been dire this season, with just a single point picked up on their travels, and they fell three goals down two minutes before the break.
Robbie Blake was adjudged to have fouled full-back Jonathan Spector in the away side's penalty area and England international Cole converted the ensuing spotkick for his seventh league goal of the campaign.
Franco got the goal his performance deserved when he headed home Stanislas's centre on 51 minutes and his replacement Jimenez made it 5-0 with a penalty he had earned after being felled by the unfortunate Jensen.
Both of Fletcher's late goals were set up by Eagles, who then helped himself to his second goal of the season, shortly after Caldwell had been dismissed for dragging back the livewire Zavon Hines.
Blackburn home run grinds to a halt
BLACKBURN, England (AFP) - A typically gritty display from Stoke denied Blackburn a fifth straight home win as an uninspiring encounter ended goalless.
With Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce absent following minor heart surgery, his players failed to deliver the kind of tonic he would have desired. Stoke enjoyed the better of the chances although it was the home side who went closest to scoring with Steven Nzonzi striking the woodwork.
Australian midfielder Brett Emerton and French duo Gael Givet and Nzonzi returned to the Blackburn line-up after missing the midweek defeat at Fulham.
Stoke made two changes to the side that beat Portsmouth on their last outing, with Liam Lawrence and Mamady Sidibe replacing Rory Delap and James Beattie.
Blackburn started confidently, with on-loan Chelsea striker Franco Di Santo testing Thomas Sorensen early on with a shot the Danish goalkeeper did well to save.
But Stoke should have claimed the lead midway through the opening period after Ricardo Fuller sent Dean Whitehead clear.
The striker's shot was under-powered and Paul Robinson was able to turn it away relatively comfortably.
Blackburn suffered a blow in the 32nd minute when David Dunn, who has scored six goals for Blackburn this season, had to go off, prompting a tactical reshuffle which saw Jason Roberts come on as a second striker alongside Di Santo.
Stoke were happy to play on the counter-attack and that approach generated a great chance to take the lead six minutes before the break, when Robinson pulled off a fine save to deny Lawrence at close range as the midfielder attempted to finish off Sidibe's inviting cross from the right.
Eight minutes into the second half, Andy Wilkinson struck the side netting after getting past Givet.
That seemed to provoke a reaction from the home side and Sorensen had to be alert to keep out an overhead kick from Rovers captain Ryan Nelsen before Nzonzi beat the goalkeeper with a drive that came back off the post.
Chris Samba had the chance to snatch all three points in injury time but the Blackburn centreback headed substitute Morten Gamst Pedersen's cross wide.
Wigan recover pride
WIGAN, England (AFP) - Wigan bounced back from their 9-1 hammering by Tottenham with a 1-0 win over former manager Steve Bruce's Sunderland.
A 75th-minute strike by Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega was enough to secure the points against opponents who had beaten Arsenal on their last outing but were distinctly lacklustre here.
Bruce's men rarely looked like scoring and it fell to Rodallega, a player signed by Bruce during his time in Lancashire, to settle the contest after Jason Scotland had seen a first-half effort strike the woodwork.
The winner owed much to some poor defending by Paulo da Silva, who slithered to the turf as Rodallega went past him before beating Marton Fulop with a left-footed shot from an acute angle.
The Colombian should have made the points safe eight minutes later but fired straight at Fulop when he had only the Sunderland goalkeeper to beat.
Wigan held out, however, to record their first clean sheet since September 12 and there was no disputing that Roberto Martinez's side deserved the points.
Rodallega, who diverted a Charles N'Zogbia's cross into the side-netting, and Paul Scharner, who tested Fulop with a low drive, both had early chances as Wigan started in spirited fashion.
And the home side were unlucky not to go ahead when N'Zogbia dispossessed da Silva on the right of the penalty area and crossed for Scotland to hit a first-time shot which beat Fulop but rebounded back off the post.
Fulop then produced a fine finger-tip save to keep the game goalless after defender Chris Turner had deflected Rodallega's inswinging free-kick towards his own goal.
Sunderland were brighter immediately after the interval with Andy Reid going close with a shot tht dipped just over and Bent heading wide from a good position at the back post.
But Wigan reasserted themselves and Titus Bramble should have put them ahead from a cross by substitute Jordi Gomez, the centreback heading straight at Fulop.
Rodallega forced Fulop into another save and fired wide from N'Zogbia's lay-off before the Colombian finally claimed the winner the Wigan fans craved.
Mertesacker late show sends Werder top
BERLIN (AFP) - A last-gasp equaliser from Germany international Per Mertesacker just preserved Werder Bremen's leadership of the Bundesliga in securing a 2-2 home draw Saturday against reigning champions Wolfsburg.
Bosnian sharpshooter Edin Dzeko had opened the scoring three minutes before the break to end a five-game personal barren run in front of goal for Wolsfburg, who began the game five points adrift of their rivals just outside the top five.
Portuguese star Hugo Almeida levelled on the hour but Dzeko's second five minutes from time looked to have settled it for the visitors until Mertesacker struck in injury time with a header from a corner to presevre their 20-match unbeaten sequence.
Bayer Leverkusen will still go to the summit if they avoid defeat Sunday against Stuttgart as they and Werder both have 27 points.
But so tight is the situation at the top that Schalke, with 25 points, could muscle in if they beat Borussia Moenchengladbach later Saturday.
On Sunday, struggling Bayern Munich, currently just eighth in the table after only five wins in 13 league games, travel to midtable Hanover badly needing a win which would take them towards the top five - though they will have to achievce it without injured pair Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.
Hamburg stayed fourth but only just a point ahead of Hoffenheim after a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Mainz.
Already missing star man Ze Roberto, Hamburg then also saw Dutchman Eljiro Elia pick up an injury.
Hoffenheim were unable to take advantage of Hamburg as they fell 2-1 at home to Dortmund.
At the other end of the table Hertha Berlin look a solid bet for the drop after a 3-1 home loss to Eintracht Frankfurt brought their 11th defeat of the campaign to leave the capital club seven points from safety.
Mertesacker late show sends Werder top
BERLIN (AFP) - A last-gasp equaliser from Germany international Per Mertesacker just preserved Werder Bremen's leadership of the Bundesliga in securing a 2-2 home draw Saturday against reigning champions Wolfsburg.
Bosnian sharpshooter Edin Dzeko had opened the scoring three minutes before the break to end a five-game personal barren run in front of goal for Wolsfburg, who began the game five points adrift of their rivals just outside the top five.
Portuguese star Hugo Almeida levelled on the hour but Dzeko's second five minutes from time looked to have settled it for the visitors until Mertesacker struck in injury time with a header from a corner to presevre their 20-match unbeaten sequence.
Bayer Leverkusen will still go to the summit if they avoid defeat Sunday against Stuttgart as they and Werder both have 27 points.
But so tight is the situation at the top that Schalke, with 25 points, could muscle in if they beat Borussia Moenchengladbach later Saturday.
On Sunday, struggling Bayern Munich, currently just eighth in the table after only five wins in 13 league games, travel to midtable Hanover badly needing a win which would take them towards the top five - though they will have to achievce it without injured pair Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.
Hamburg stayed fourth but only just a point ahead of Hoffenheim after a disappointing 1-1 home draw with Mainz.
Already missing star man Ze Roberto, Hamburg then also saw Dutchman Eljiro Elia pick up an injury.
Hoffenheim were unable to take advantage of Hamburg as they fell 2-1 at home to Dortmund.
At the other end of the table Hertha Berlin look a solid bet for the drop after a 3-1 home loss to Eintracht Frankfurt brought their 11th defeat of the campaign to leave the capital club seven points from safety.
Wigan recover pride
WIGAN, England (AFP) - Wigan bounced back from their 9-1 hammering by Tottenham with a 1-0 win over former manager Steve Bruce's Sunderland.
A 75th-minute strike by Colombian striker Hugo Rodallega was enough to secure the points against opponents who had beaten Arsenal on their last outing but were distinctly lacklustre here.
Bruce's men rarely looked like scoring and it fell to Rodallega, a player signed by Bruce during his time in Lancashire, to settle the contest after Jason Scotland had seen a first-half effort strike the woodwork.
The winner owed much to some poor defending by Paulo da Silva, who slithered to the turf as Rodallega went past him before beating Marton Fulop with a left-footed shot from an acute angle.
The Colombian should have made the points safe eight minutes later but fired straight at Fulop when he had only the Sunderland goalkeeper to beat.
Wigan held out, however, to record their first clean sheet since September 12 and there was no disputing that Roberto Martinez's side deserved the points.
Rodallega, who diverted a Charles N'Zogbia's cross into the side-netting, and Paul Scharner, who tested Fulop with a low drive, both had early chances as Wigan started in spirited fashion.
And the home side were unlucky not to go ahead when N'Zogbia dispossessed da Silva on the right of the penalty area and crossed for Scotland to hit a first-time shot which beat Fulop but rebounded back off the post.
Fulop then produced a fine finger-tip save to keep the game goalless after defender Chris Turner had deflected Rodallega's inswinging free-kick towards his own goal.
Sunderland were brighter immediately after the interval with Andy Reid going close with a shot tht dipped just over and Bent heading wide from a good position at the back post.
But Wigan reasserted themselves and Titus Bramble should have put them ahead from a cross by substitute Jordi Gomez, the centreback heading straight at Fulop.
Rodallega forced Fulop into another save and fired wide from N'Zogbia's lay-off before the Colombian finally claimed the winner the Wigan fans craved.