BREMEN, Dec 2 (SW) - A strong Werder Bremen defeated Hertha BSC 3-1 at the Weserstadion on Saturday, and continue to threaten Schalke's top position.

Most of the action in Bremen took place in the first half. The hosts had been the better side in the opening phase and were given a penalty in the 24th minute as Simunic handled the ball.

Brazilian revelation Diego converted but watched how his side gave up their lead a minute later.

It was Simunic himself to make up for his earlier mistake and score the equaliser from close range.

But in the 32nd minute, Klose restored Werder's lead. The German international forward headed home from a Womé cross.

With five minutes left until the break, Klose added a second as he took advantage of bad defense by Boateng and struck past goalkeeper Fiedler for 3-1.