Niclas Fullkrug went atop the Bundesliga's scoring chart by heading in a late winner to give Werder Bremen a 1-0 victory over Hertha Berlin and propel his promoted team into the top half of the table.
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Bremen snapped a three-game losing streak with striker Fullkrug heading the winner on Friday.
Promoted Bremen had started the season brightly with a shock win at Borussia Dortmund while the uncapped Fullkrug was being talked up as a Germany World Cup candidate.
But ahead of Hertha's visit, the northerners came off two league defeats and a German Cup loss to Paderborn from the second division.
The hosts edged the game in terms of chances with Mitchell Weiser missing a glorious opportunity late on and being immediately replaced.
But soon after, Fullkrug leapt to send a looping header into the top corner on 85 minutes as Bremen moved up to sixth. He is the league's top scorer with nine goals.
"An evening game in the Weserstadion, with a late winner, it is a great feeling," Fullkrug told DAZN.
"The World Cup is a month away, the decision doesn't lie with me."
Dodi Lukebakio arguably had Hertha's best chance when he fired wide and had a running battle all game with former teammate Niklas Stark.
Hertha stay 13th and lost forward Stevan Jovetic to injury in the first period.
Hertha's city rivals Union Berlin lead the standings but can be replaced by Bayern Munich on Saturday if the champions draw or beat Mainz at home.
Union could then reclaim top spot on Sunday against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Australian Associated Press
