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Bayern Munich achieved a commanding 3-0 victory over Mainz, but their title celebrations will have to wait as Bayer Leverkusen also secured a win, keeping them eight points adrift with three matches remaining in the season.
Currently leading the Bundesliga with 75 points, Bayern sits ahead of Leverkusen, who has 67 points. A victory against RB Leipzig next week would clinch Bayern’s 34th German league title. However, star player Harry Kane will be unavailable for that match due to a suspension following his fifth yellow card.
Leroy Sané opened the scoring in the 28th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Serge Gnabry. The lead was doubled shortly before halftime when Michael Olise showcased his skills with a remarkable solo goal. In the second half, Sané came close to extending the lead, striking the woodwork twice, and Eric Dier sealed the win with a headed goal in the 84th minute.
Thomas Müller made his 500th league appearance for Bayern, a milestone achieved by only three other Bundesliga players while exclusively playing for one club. The veteran, who is set to depart the club at the end of the season after 25 years, reflects the team’s enduring legacy.
Coach Vincent Kompany commented on Kane’s yellow card, acknowledging the challenge it presents but emphasizing the broader goal of team success. “We will play 34 matches this season, and every title must be cherished like the first,” he said. “Kane’s contribution this season remains invaluable.”
With 24 goals in the league this season, the 31-year-old England captain is poised to become the first player to top the Bundesliga scoring charts in each of his first two seasons. Kane expressed his frustration at the suspension but remains optimistic about celebrating the title with his teammates.
Meanwhile, Bayer Leverkusen triumphed 2-0 over Augsburg, with Patrik Schick opening the scoring in the 13th minute. Although a second goal from Nathan Tella was ruled offside, Leverkusen secured their victory shortly before halftime through Emiliano Buendía.
Borussia Dortmund faced a thrilling contest against Hoffenheim, ultimately winning 3-2. Despite conceding a last-gasp equalizer, a winning goal by Waldemar Anton lifted Dortmund to sixth in the standings and boosted their chances for Champions League qualification.
In this match, Serhou Guirassy and Julian Brandt had given Dortmund a strong start, although a missed penalty by Guirassy added tension to the encounter. Hoffman managed to equalize twice, but Anton’s late goal ensured Dortmund remained in contention for Champions League spots.
RB Leipzig suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt, a result that puts them just one point ahead of Dortmund and solidifies Frankfurt’s position in third place.
In France, Mohamed Abdelmonem of Nice sustained a serious knee injury during their 3-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain. Nice confirmed the player suffered a cruciate ligament tear, casting a shadow over their win. The club is committed to supporting Abdelmonem throughout his recovery process.
The victory for Nice elevated them to fourth in the Ligue 1 standings, effectively ending PSG’s hopes of an unbeaten league season.
This story will be updated later on Saturday.
Source
www.theguardian.com