Kiessling double keeps Leverkusen in title race

Bundesliga top scorer Stefan Kiessling struck once in either half to help give Bayer Leverkusen a 4-2 win over Hamburg SV yesterday and remain in the title race, three points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich in third place.

Kiessling gave his team the lead in the 22nd minute when he broke free and beat keeper Frank Rost with a well-placed low drive.

Hamburg equalised through former Leverkusen player Ze Roberto in the 33rd but Leverkusen regained control, netting twice with headers from Eren Derdiyok and Kiessling, who scored his 16th goal of the season in the 62nd with a diving header.

Hamburg's David Rozehnal pulled one back in the 83rd but 30 seconds later Gonzalo Castro sealed the win for the hosts with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.

In yesterday's other match, Werder Bremen beat hosts Hoffenheim 1-0 courtesy of Claudio Pizarro's 11th goal of the season.