Hoffenheim's hopes of beating the drop in the Bundesliga have been improved thanks to a 3-0 victory over relegation rivals Fortuna Dusseldorf.
The hosts broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Roberto Firmino finished powerfully from a Sven Schipplock cross.
Andreas Lambertz had a great opportunity to equalise midway through the first half but the Dusseldorf forward fired his shot straight at Heurelho Gomes in the Hoffenheim goal.
Schipplock could have doubled the home side's lead early in the second period but his effort was weak and Fabian Giefer pushed the ball to safety.
Dani Schahin was inches away from snatching a point for Dusseldorf but he failed to convert Robbie Kruse's cross at the back post.
The result was put beyond doubt 15 minutes from time when Lambertz headed the ball into his own net from a corner.
However, there was still time for Kevin Volland to add a third in stoppage time with a simple finish after rounding Giefer.
Callum Mulvihill
