Bayern, Dortmund seal narrow win
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E-mail Xinhua, April 28, 2013
Xherdan Shaqiris free kick goal sealed 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 on Saturday.
German record champions Bayern Munich staged a second string 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.
Freiburg suffered their third consecutive loss nevertheless they still have the chance to go on a trip to Europe as they sit on 5th position.h 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.
Dortmund opened the scoring at the 20th minute following a long-range striker by Nuri Sahin from 31 meters into the top right corner.
Dusseldorf responded but failed to utilize their chances and that is how it came that Dortmund doubled the lead after the fielding of Jakub Blaszczykowski and Robert Lewandowski. Blaszczykowski combined his way through Dusseldorf defence to exploit an assist by Sahin to slot home one minute after he was fielded.
Dortmund retracted with the 2-0 lead behind meanwhile Dusseldorf piled on the pressure. The hosts were rewarded for their efforts when Adam Botzek headed home a cross to reduce the lead to 2-1 at the 88th minute.
Dusseldorf pressed frenetically for the equalizer but Dortmund were able to kill the clock thanks to the save by goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak in the dying minutes of the game.
Dortmund remain unbeaten at the ninth match in row to tighten second position in the standings whereas 15th placed Dusseldorf slipped into the relegation battle as they are equal on points with Augsburg.
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.
Leverkusen scored the only goal of the match after a converted foul play penalty by Stefan Kiessling, who netted his 22nd of the season. Bremen goalkeeper Sebastian Mielitz ensured the penalty for Leverkusen when he brought down Sidney Sam inside the box at the 35th minute.
Relegation threatened Augsburg astonished Stuttgart 3-0 to increase their chances in staying up in Germanys first division.
Augsburg needed 25 minutes in the second half to score three goals to bring Stuttgart's winning streak of three matches to an end.
The hosts broke the deadlock at the 61st minute when Sascha Molders headed home a corner by Tobias Werner.
Augsburg pressed for another goal and they were rewarded as Marcel de Jong beat Stuttgart's keeper Sven Ulreich with a lob from 17 meters to double the lead at the 83rd minute. Only three minutes later Ji Dong Won made it three on the scoreboards when he utilized a cross to slot home with sideways scissor kick.
Augsburg remain on a relegation play off spot but yet they are in touching distance to safety.
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.
The following fixtures are scheduled for Sunday: Mainz host Frankfurt and Schalke encounter Hamburg.
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