Bundesliga wrap: Stuttgart closer to drop

Stuttgart’s Bundesliga relegation woes deepened on Sunday when they lost at Bayer Leverkusen, while Borussia Monchengladbach won.

Visitors Stuttgart fell behind to a Stefan Kiessling goal after just five minutes at the BayArena.

They equalised through Martin Harnik on 15 minutes, but Gonzalo Castro struck four minutes before half-time to ensure hosts Leverkusen would go in 2-1 up at the break.

Zdravko Kuzmanovic had Stuttgart level again six minutes into the second half, but Bruno Labbadia’s side were unable to hold on and Stefan Reinartz netted to restore Leverkusen’s lead with 10 minutes remaining.

Kiessling made absolutely sure of the win in injury time with his second and Leverkusen’s fourth.

The victory sees Leverkusen stay second, 10 points behind leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Borussia Monchengladbach’s win means they are now level on points with Schalke, who stay ahead of the bottom side on goal difference only.

Monchengladbach came from 1-0 down to win 2-1 at home to Schalke, with all the goals coming in the first 25 minutes.

Peer Kluge had Schalke in front after just two minutes at the Borussia-Park, but Marco Reus levelled for the hosts on 11 minutes.

Mohamadou Idrissou breached the Schalke defence for 2-1 in the 23rd minute and the strugglers somehow held on for their second win in four matches.

They move level with Stuttgart on 19 points, but are still four points away from safety.