Molde picked up their first victory of the Europa League group stage after a well-earned 2-0 win over Stuttgart.

Norwegians strike after the break to beat Bundesliga team

Molde picked up their first victory of the Europa League group stage after a well-earned 2-0 win over Stuttgart. Second-half strikes from Jo Inge Berget and Daniel Chukwa were enough for the victory as the Norwegians moved above their German opponents in the Group E table. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side came into the match pointless after they lost their opening match 2-1 defeat at FC Copenhagen, while Stuttgart were looking to make amends following a disappointing 2-2 draw with Steaua Bucharest. The visitors came close to making the perfect start after six minutes but from the penalty spot, Christian Gentner's effort cannoned back off the bar. Seven minutes later and it was the home side who missed a glorious chance when Pape Diouf shot over when placed in a similar position. After 33 minutes Zdravko Kuzmanovic somehow shot wide from six yards out as the teams finished the half level. Molde were ahead after 55 minutes as Berget headed home a Martin Linnes cross and they almost doubled their advantage nine minutes later as Magnus Eikrem's cross was headed onto the post by Daniel Chukwa from 12 yards out. The home side held firm against their more illustrious opponents and it was not until the 73rd minute that goalkeeper Espen Pettersen was called into action, as he fisted away an Raphael Holzhauser effort. That was as good as it got for Stuttgart and the home side went two up with two minutes left as Chukwa steered the ball home low into the corner from the edge of the box.