Mainz 05 battled back from a goal down to beat promoted Kaiserslautern 2-1 on Sunday and move into second place on goal difference behind Hoffenheim with their third win in three Bundesliga matches.
Croatian striker Srdjan Lakic scored his fourth goal of the season to put the visitors into the lead after 20 minutes, picking up a deep ball to race clear and flick in from the edge of the box.
A lapse of concentration by dominant Kaiserslautern midway through the second half allowed Mainz to battle back and equalise through Niko Bungert in the 71st minute from close range before Andre Schuerrle's slightly deflected shot two minutes later handed them the three points.
Kaiserslautern, who had won both of their previous matches, drop to fifth place on six points.
Champions Bayern Munich stuttered to a 0-0 draw against Werder Bremen on Saturday to remain in 11th place on four points.
Mainz have nine points, the same as Hoffenheim who gave Champions League participants Schalke 04, last season's runners-up, their third successive defeat on Friday.
