Skip to main content

Harnik double helps Stuttgart thrash Werder

Three goals in 16 minutes, including two from Austria international Martin Harnik, sank eighth-placed Werder who could now miss out on European football for the second consecutive season.

Stuttgart, who have gone nine games without defeat, are five points ahead of Bayer Leverkusen and Hannover 96. Fifth position at the end of the campaign would earn a spot in the Europa League.

"I am usually more reserved but tonight I have to say that it was a really super match we played," Stuttgart coach Bruno Labbadia told reporters.

"We put them under pressure from the start. It is a very satisfactory feeling for a coach."

"That second goal just before the break was unnecessary," said Werder coach Thomas Schaaf. "It became very difficult after that.

"Stuttgart were brimming with confidence and we were far too timid."