BERLIN (AFP) - Resurgent Bundesliga side Hamburg hit away form in timely fashion to stun league leaders Schalke 04 2-0 and shake up the title race on Friday.

Hamburg have been struggling all season, but new coach Huub Stevens has re-instilled belief into the north coast side who had slumped dangerously towards the foot of the table.

Thanks to two late goals courtesy of Rafael van der Vart and Croatian striker Ivica Olic Hamburg move back up towards mid-table saftey ahead of the rest of the weekend's fixtures.

It also revived the title hopes of VfB Stuttgart, Werder Bremen and Bayern Munich.

Second placed Stuttgart will reduce their deficit to Schalke to only one point if they secure a win at Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

Bremen, who are six points off the pace, host VfL Bochum in what should on paper be a relatively easy three points.

German champions Bayern meanwhile face a tougher match away to Hertha Berlin.

Bayern, still nine points adrift of Schalke, know they cannot afford to slip up only a few days before hosting Spaniards Real Madrid Wednesday for their Champions League last 16, second leg match.