Stuttgart earned only their second win of the season to take all three points away at in-form Hamburg SV.
Vedad Ibisevic continued his fine recent goalscoring record, finishing neatly from close range after a sweeping Stuttgart counter.
Hamburg tried to respond through talisman Rafael van der Vaart, but he struggled to find time and space in a congested midfield.
Stuttgart controlled possession for long spells and spurned chances to add to their advantage, forcing Rene Adler to make a string of smart saves from Martin Harnik and Ibrahima Traore.
Paul Scharner made his Hamburg debut in an advanced position late on but his efforts were in vain as Stuttgart held on for a valuable away victory.
The result is particularly sweet for under-fire Stuttgart coach Bruno Labbadia, who lasted less than a year in charge of Hamburg last season.
Hamburg missed out on the chance to go fourth and have to settle for tenth place in the Bundesliga, just a single point ahead of their conquerors Stuttgart.
Liam Power
