Markus Babbel's side are now on 61 points, one behind third-placed Hertha Berlin and just two points behind joint leaders Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg.

Brazilian striker Cacau opened the score line for the visitors on 15 minutes before Ivan Rakitic levelled for Schalke six minutes from half-time.

Romania forward Ciprian Marica restored Stuttgart's lead in the 57th minute to keep his team in title contention.

In another game, Werder Bremen's fine form in the UEFA and German Cups was reflected in the league as they beat Eintracht Frankfurt 5-0 away from home.

Frankfurt were penalised with a spot-kick and had Paul Ochs red carded for a professional foul on 50 minutes. The incident paved way for Bremen to seal the big win.

Skipper Torsten Frings scored from the spot before the German international added a second on five minutes later.

Goals from Alexandrios Tziolis and Claudio Pizzaro put the result beyond doubt for Thomas Schaaf's team. Portuguese forward Hugo Almeida scored a fifth on 77 minutes.

The Green Whites are now tenth in the table with 45 points with two league round to go.

Also in the Bundesliga, a brace from Ivica Olic helped Hamburg overcome Bochum 3-1 at the AOL Arena.

Paolo Guerrero broke the deadlock for the hosts on the quarter hour mark before Olic struck twice on 33 and 58 minutes to lift Hamburg to fifth spot with 58 points.