Bayern, Leverkusen win

Berlin, April 19: Bayern Munich extended their domince at the top of Bundesliga thanks to a hard-earned 2-0 win at Hoffenheim while Leverkusen crushed Hannover 4-0 in the 29th round of the German football league.

Bundesliga front-runners Bayern reaped the 23rd victory in the 29th game as they overcame a courageous Hoffenheim 2-0 on Saturday.

Both sides staged an evenly-balanced opening period but Hoffenheim’s midfielder Anthony Modeste had the best chance to break the deadlock. The striker made use of a through ball but failed to overcome Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in a one-on-one situation 30 minutes into the game.

The German giants cut a better figure in front of Hoffenheim’s goal area as forward Sebastian Rode opened the scoring eight minutes later.

After the break Bayern nearly doubled the lead through midfielder Thiago Alcantara and forward Thomas Mueller but Hoffenheim goalie Oliver Baumann was on guard twice.

An own goal by Hoffenheim’s defender Andreas Beck in the dying minutes of the game ensured victory for Bayern. The defender cleared a square pass by Mueller into his own goal.

With the second win in a row Bayern increased their advantage atop the standings to 13 points while Hoffenheim suffered their 12th loss to remain in the seventh place.

Fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen jumped to the third spot as they crushed relegation- threatened Hannover 4-0.

Borussia Dortmund returned to winning ways after the news of coach Juergen Klopp’s departure at the end of the season, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Paderborn.

Mainz stched three points after a 3-2 victory at Freiburg. Augsburg defeated Stuttgart 2-1 while Hertha Berlin and FC Cologne shared the spoils following a goalless draw. IANS