Leverkusen make it five in a row

Bayer 04 Leverkusen won their fifth Bundesliga match in succession 3-0 at home to FC Hansa Rostock on Sunday while 1. FC Nürnberg eased their relegation worries with a 2-1 win at home to Hertha BSC Berlin.

Rolfes opener
Michael Skibbe's Leverkusen qualified for the UEFA Cup Round of 32 on Thursday with victory at home to AC Sparta Praha and supporters at the BayArena had more to celebrate today. Simon Rolfes put the home side ahead on four minutes before Paul Freier doubled the advantage from the penalty spot eight minutes after the restart. Theofanis Gekas completed the scoring 17 minutes from time. It was Leverkusen's fifth league win in a row, outscoring their opponents 16-2 in the process.

Charisteas scores
The victory lifts them to within a point of third-placed Hamburger SV, while defeat sees Rostock drop back into the relegation places with Nürnberg climbing above them after winning their fourth league game this season. At home to Hertha, Angelos Charisteas put Nürnberg ahead on five minutes then Zvjezdan Misimović added the second six minutes before half-time. Fabian Lustenberger pulled a goal back midway through the second half but Nürnberg were able to hold on for an important victory as Hertha fell to their third straight defeat.