Stuttgart surged to the top of the Bundesliga after winning 3-2 at Bochum, to overtake Schalke, who lost 2-0 at Borussia Dortmund in the penultimate round of matches in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Goals from ex-Villa man Thomas Hitzlsperger, wonderkid Mario Gomez and workhorse Cacau sealed the points for Stuttgart, who will have the opportunity to seal its first title in 15 years next Saturday with a win at home against Energie Cottbus.