Early Martin Harnik goal gives Stuttgart a vital win

Stuttgart have picked up what could be three important points, winning 1-0 at 1899 Hoffenheim.

Hoffenheim now remain just a point above the Bundesliga relegation zone, while Stuttgart move up to 12th.

The away side couldn't have wished for a better start, as an early break away saw Ibrahima Traore find space on the right hand side. His cross found Martin Harnik, who headed the ball home in the third minute.

Harnik and strike partner Vedad Ibisevic continued to cause Hoffenheim problems throughout the first half, missing a couple of half-chances each.

The home team did finally start to put pressure on the Stuttgart defence towards the end of the half, thanks largely to clever play from Kevin Volland on the left wing. They were not able to get an equaliser though and the sides went in level.

After the break Hoffenheim brought on Eren Derdiyok and Tobias Weis, but it was Joselu who started to have the biggest influence on the game.

The striker squandered several good chances though as Hoffenheim started to dominate possession.

Stuttgart almost sealed victory on the counter-attack with fifteen minutes left, but Harnik could only find the goalkeeper's arms from just outside the box.

Derdiyok did have a chance to equalise in the 90th minute, but was thwarted by the goalkeeper as Hoffenheim remain one place above the relegation zone.