BERLIN, April 12 (Xinhua) -- VfB Stuttgart returned to winning ways with a commanding 4-0 victory over Hamburger SV on Sunday, keeping pace in the race for a UEFA Champions League spot.

After a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart took control from the outset against Hamburg, which had won only one of its previous seven matches.

Stuttgart broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Deniz Undav sent Jamie Leweling through, and the latter's square pass found Angelo Stiller, who guided his finish into the left corner.

Chris Fuhrich doubled the lead in the 32nd minute after a turnover high up the pitch, with Ermedin Demirovic providing the assist.

Stuttgart maintained its advantage after the break, with Maximilian Mittelstadt scoring from distance in the 56th minute, his effort taking a deflection off Jordan Torunarigha.

Demirovic had a goal ruled out for offside in the 66th minute. Undav then missed a penalty after a VAR review, but substitute Bilal El Khannouss completed the scoring in the 86th minute.

With the result, third-placed Stuttgart remained firmly in the Champions League race, while Hamburg stayed 12th and extended its winless run to four matches.

"We were under a lot of pressure, but it was a deserved win and a very good team performance. It was a good game. We are well-drilled, and that is a big advantage," Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness said.

Also on Sunday, Cologne boosted its survival hopes with a 3-1 win over Werder Bremen, and Lucas Holer helped SC Freiburg secure a 1-0 victory over Mainz. ■