FC Schalke missed another big step towards resurgence and lost the lead in the table to Werder Bremen.

With the clear 1: 4 (0: 2) in the top game of the second Bundesliga against the previous pursuer from northern Germany, the royal blue high with the last five wins in a row came to an abrupt end.

In front of 62,271 spectators in the arena, which was sold out for the first time in over two years, the scorers Ilia Gruev (9th minute), Niclas Füllkrug (26th) and Marvin Ducksch (51st/53rd) ensured the deserved victory for Bremen, who after previously found three draws back on the road to success.

On the other hand, Schalke suffered their first defeat since interim coach Mike Büskens took office at the beginning of March, despite Simon Terodde's consolation goal (88').

This means that Bremen, who are now one point better, have passed the table and are going into the last three games of the season as promotion favorites.

The loud support from the full ranks seemed to inhibit Schalke more than inspire it.

After just a few minutes, there was the first sensitive damper.

After a long-range shot by Mitchell Weiser, which was poorly parried by goalkeeper Martin Fraisl, Gruev headed in from close range.

That gave the guests more security, whose leadership was only threatened by Terodde (21st) having a chance.

Before half-time, they struck again, ice-cold.

The preparatory work to make it 2-0 was again done by Weiser, who served Füllkrug with a cross in an exemplary manner.

Despite major personnel problems, especially on the defensive, the Werder goal was rarely really in danger even after the restart.

Bremen were already close to 3-0 with a free kick from Ducksch (48 ') on the post.

Only a little later, the attacker made the preliminary decision with a double strike within three minutes.

Hamburger SV came to a difficult 4:2 (1:0) at Jahn Regensburg.

Miro Muheim (23rd) scored to give HSV the lead, but Carlo Boukhalfa (46th) scored the deserved equaliser.

Anssi Suhonen (66') then scored to make it 2-1 for the Rothosen, Andreas Albers (89', penalty kick) initially equalized again before Josha Vagnoman (90') put HSV back in front.

David Kinsombi then made everything clear for Hamburg with a penalty kick (90+6).

In the third game on Saturday, Holstein Kiel and 1. FC Heidenheim drew 1-1 (0-0).

Simon Lorenz (56th) was successful for the storks.

Tim Kleindienst (71st) benefited from a major mistake by Kiel goalkeeper Ioannis Gelios, who allowed the ball to roll through his arms.