Mertesacker late show sends Werder top

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.