Elsewhere, Adam Federici’s Reading boosted their survival hopes, while the news wasn’t as good for Brett Holman, as Aston Villa again threw away what would have been a crucial win in their hunt for Premier League survival.

In the German Bundesliga, Robbie Kruse scored a brace as Fortuna Dusseldorf returned to the winners list, beating VfB Stuttgart 3-1. Kruse opened the scoring on 10 minutes, pouncing on Robert Tesche’s deflected shot to volley home from the penalty spot. Kruse doubled his side’s tally on 37 minutes, latching onto Ken Islo’s precise pass to beat the onrushing Sven Ulreich at his near post with a cool finish.

Mitch Langerak made his first league appearance since April last year in Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 win over Bayer Leverkusen. With regular number one Roman Weidenfeller missing with a virus, Langerak showcased his potential with a series of fine saves in the second half, first to deny Sidney Sam’s long range drive, then a superb reaction save from Stefan Kiessling’s powerful header.

Elsewhere, Nikita Rukavytsya was again absent from the match-day squad, as FSV Mainz were beaten 3-0 at home by Bayern Munich.

In the English Premier League, Adam Federici continued his good form, playing a key role in Reading’s 2-1 win over Sunderland. Federici made an important double save in the first half, denying Alfred N’Diaye & Seb Larsson in quick succession as Sunderland pressed for the lead after equalising just moments earlier. Reading are now two points clear of the relegation zone.

Mark Schwarzer played a full game in goal as Fulham lost 1-0 to Manchester United. Schwarzer made a super save in the first half as Jonny Evans’ header deflected off a Fulham player before Schwarzer somehow clawed the ball clear from his goal-line, before he was beaten 10 minutes from time by Wayne Rooney’s crisp finish.

Brett Holman was a 83rd minute substitute as Aston Villa again threw away a comfortable lead, drawing 3-3 with Everton after earlier going 3-1 up. Chris Herd missed the clash as he continues his rehabilitation from a foot injury.

Elsewhere, Brad Jones was an unused substitute as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Manchester City.

In the Championship, Rhys Williams played a full game at right-back as Middlesbrough suffered their fourth loss on the trot, copping a 4-0 thumping from lowly Ipswich Town. Scott McDonald missed the game with a persistent back problem, while Patrick Kisnorbo was an unused substitute for Ipswich.

Shane Lowry played 90 minutes at leftback as Millwall’s poor form continued, losing 1-0 to Hull City. The Lions are now four games without a win and six points away from the play-off spots.

Mile Jedinak was absent with an eye injury as Crystal Palace secured a vital 2-1 win over Charlton Athletic. Palace’s first win in four sees them firmly entrenched in the play-off spots.

Seb Usai was unused substitute as Blackburn Rovers beat Bristol City 2-0. Neil Kilkenny missed the clash with an ankle injury.

In League One, Bradden Inman played 90 minutes as Crewe Alexandra beat Scunthorpe United 1-0. The midfielder, on loan from Newcastle United, had two good opportunities to score in the first half, but on both occasions he curled his efforts wide of the target.

Bailey Wright wore the captain’s armband and played 90 minutes as Preston North End conceded a late penalty to lose 2-1 to Shrewsbury Town. Wright had a chance to score late in the contest, but his header from Lee Holmes’ corner just missed the target.

Dean Bouzanis played 90 minutes as Oldham Athletic lost 3-1 to Walsall. Bouzanis had a decent game despite the loss, making several fine saves. The pick of them came late in the contest when he denied Jamie Paterson with a superb block. James Wesolowski played a full game for Oldham, while Alex Cisak was an unused substitute.

In League Two, Shane Cansdell-Sherriff made his debut for Rochdale in the 1-1 draw with Chesterfield. Cansdell-Sherriff, on loan from Preston North End and primarily a defender, played 81 minutes in midfield and was perhaps at fault for Chesterfield’s goal on 55 minutes, as he was dispossessed in midfield which led to Jay O’Shea opening the scoring.

Aaron Downes played 90 minutes in defence as Torquay United lost 2-1 to Cheltenham, while Jamie Young kept a clean-sheet as Aldershot Town drew 0-0 with Exeter. Elsewhere, Curtis Good was absent with illness as Bradford City drew 2-2 with Fleetwood Town.

Elsewhere in England, Ryan Williams found the back of the net for Fulham Under 21s in their 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough.

In the Scottish Premier League, Dylan McGowan was a 90th minute substitute as Hearts drew 2-2 with St Mirren.

In the Scottish FA Cup, Alex Baird was an unused substitute as Dundee FC progressed through to the final eight with a 5-1 win over Greenock Morton.

Elsewhere, new signing Tom Rogic was absent from the Celtic side that beat second tier Raith Rovers 3-0.

In the German Second Division, Mathew Leckie played the full 90 minutes as FSV Frankfurt lost 2-0 to Ingolstadt. Leckie had a bright start on the right wing with some speedy runs and decent crosses, one in particular found Albanian Odise Roshi but his header missed the target. Leckie and his side faded in the second half, as Ingolstadt scored twice to take home the points.

In the German Third Division, Mustafa Amini was an unused substitute as Borussia Dortmund II drew 3-3 with FC Saarbrucken.

In the Dutch Eredivisie, Michael Zullo was an unused substitute as FC Utrecht beat 10-man FC Twente 4-2. Tommy Oar was missing with a hamstring problem, while Adam Sarota was absent with a knee injury.

Elsewhere, Jason Davidson was an unused substitute as Heracles drew 3-3 with Roda Kerkrade, while Travis Cooper was absent from the VVV Venlo side that lost 3-0 to Ajax.

In the Belgian Second Division, Kofi Danning was absent from the match-day squad as CS Vise beat Royal Antwerpen 2-1.

In the Italian Serie A, James Troisi was absent from the Atalanta side that beat Palermo 2-1.

In the Serie B, Carl Valeri was absent from the match-day squad as Sassuolo drew 1-1 with Empoli

In the Greek Super League, Giannis Simosis was absent from the AO Kerkyra side that lost 2-0 to OFI Creta.

In Turkey, Kerem Bulut was a 79th minute substitute as Akhisar Belediyespor lost 2-1 to Kayserispor. The result leaves Akhisar rooted to the bottom of the table, five points from safety.

Elsewhere, new signing Aziz Behich was absent from the Bursapor side that drew 1-1 with Galatasaray.

In Portugal, Caleb Patterson-Sewell was an unused substitute as Vitoria Setubal lost 3-0 to Benfica, a result which sees them drop into the relegation zone.

In the UAE Emirates Cup, Alex Brosque played 90 minutes as Al Ain conceded a second half stoppage time penalty to draw 1-1 with Al Nasr.

Dino Djulbic played a full game in defence as Al Wahda came from 2-0 down to beat Dubai 3-2. Richard Porta was absent from the Dubai match-day squad through injury. Elsewhere, Nick Carle played 90 minutes as Baniyas lost 2-1 to Al Wasl.

In the Indian I-League, Tolgay Ozbey made it two in two weeks, scoring in Mohun Bagan’s 3-1 win over ONGC.