Bayern and Dortmund seal narrow win in German Bundesliga

Bayern Munich’s Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri (R) and Freiburg’s midfielder Max Kruse vie for the ball during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Bayern Munich vs SC Freiburg in Munich, southern Germany on April 27

Berlin, April 28 (IANS): Xherdan Shaqiris’ free-kick goal against Freiburg fetched Bayern’s 14th consecutive win while Bremen lost 1-0 to Leverkusen to extend their winless run to 10 games at the 31st round of Bundesliga football.

German record champions Bayern Munich Saturday staged a second string side against Freiburg before the second leg against Barcelona next week. Yet they were able to set another record as they moved up to 84 points, which is a new Bundesliga record, reports Xinhua.

Freiburg suffered their third consecutive loss. However, they still have the chance to go on a trip to Europe as they sit on 5th position. Due to many changes to the starting eleven Bayern had problems to produce opportunities.

Thus, Bayern needed 20 minutes to approach Freiburg’s keeper Oliver Baumann with a volley by Shaqiri that missed the target.

As the match progressed Freiburg’s Jonathan Schmid and Max Kruse squandered their goal scoring opportunities as both pulled wide.

Goals were scored at the other end of the pitch as Swiss international Shaqiri curled a free kick goal from the right wing, which crossed the goal line untouched at the 35th minute.

Bayern’s top striker Mario Mandzukic almost doubled the lead but his lob only rattled the crossbar.

However, the Bavarians controlled the proceeding on the pitch but were unable to extend the lead, although Jupp Heynckes increased their offensive power with the fielding of Mario Gomez and Frank Ribery.

Dortmund also staged a second string in view of their second leg Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid, winning 2-1 over Dusseldorf.

Leverkusen defeated struggling Bremen to consolidate third position, making a big stride towards UEFA Champions League next season. Meanwhile Bremen wait for their first win after 10 winless matches to vegetate on 14th position of the standings.

Relegation threatened Augsburg astonished Stuttgart 3-0 to increase their chances in staying up in Germanys first division.

Elsewhere, Wolfsburg extended their unbeaten streak to seven when they overcame Monchengladbach 3-1 and relegation threatened Hoffenheim wrapped up a much needed 2-1 win to remain they hopes alive to stay up with just three points to a play off spot.