Mario Gomez and Pavel Pardo scored the goals in VfB Stuttgart's first home win of the season, 2-0 over Hannover 96.
It was the second win inside three days for VfB — who had already reached the UEFA Cup proper in midweek — as Hanover's wait for the first goal goes on.
VfB climbed to fifth with six points, Hanover are now bottom of the standings with a single point.
Forssell unlucky
96 had started the game the better side. Jan Rosenthal was denied by VfB keeper Jens Lehmann when clean through after nine minutes.
Finnish striker Mikael Forssell shot narrowly wide just three minutes alter.
Pardo penalty
VfB were more clinical in front of goal and took their first opportunity. Gomez scored with a left-footed volley from Yildiray Bastürk's 18th-minute corner.
Pardo added a second goal from the spot five minutes before half-time. Christian Schulz had brought down Martin Lanig.
Gomez v Enke
Gomez had three good opportunities to score in the second half, but was denied by Hanover keeper Robert Enke.
Steven Cherundolo (63) and Rosenthal — whose shot hit the cross-bar — had chances to get 96 back into the game, but it wasn't to be.
Strong first half enough for Hanover
Goalless in Hanover
Bayer back on track