A last-minute goal from Dimitar Rangelov gifted Energie Cottbus all three points in a 2-1 win at the Stadion der Freundschaft to send Bremen spiralling even further down the table to 11th.

With three defeats in the last four games, the 2004 champions - who have earned a place in the Champions League in each of the last five seasons - are now closer to the relegation zone than a place in Europe's premier competition next term.

"Once again we have let a chance slip," said Schaaf.

"The result is obviously anything but satisfying. We have lost a game today that we should never have lost.

"The fact is, we have only 27 points when even 30 or 33 would have been too little for us."

Bremen made the trip without striker Claudio Pizarro, who was left behind after arriving late for training on Friday, but general manager Klaus Allofs defended Schaaf's decision to discipline the Peruvian in such a way.

"Of course that weakened us, but it was right and we stand by it," he said.

Cottbus coach Bojan Prasnikar was delighted with the win which lifted his side out of the bottom three.

His side have now picked up seven points from their last three games.

"We played a fantastic game," he enthused. "My team showed great morale and picked up points against a strong opponent.

"I am so proud and happy with this win."