Staff Reporter.
Bayern Munich had little trouble beating lowly Heidenheim 4-0 on Saturday to put themselves within touching distance of the Bundesliga title.
The table now shows Bayern at the top with 72 points, nine ahead of Bayern Leverkusen who face St.Pauli on Sunday, with four rounds left to play.
With Bayern racing into a three-goal lead after just 36 minutes – courtesy of Harry Kane’s precision, Konrad Laimer’s drive and Kingsley Coman’s flair – there was little doubt about Saturday’s outcome.
Joshua Kimmich then took his time before rifling a shot into the corner for 4-0 in the 56th minute as Bayern surged ahead at full throttle in their relentless pursuit of their 34th league crown.
RB Leipzig’s top-four hopes took a hit with a 1-1 home draw against last-placed Holstein Kiel.
Japanese striker Shuto Machino put the visitors in front a minute before half-time, with Leipzig equalising from the spot through Benjamin Sesko with 74 minutes gone when Lois Openda was felled in the box.
Openda looked to have scored with a curling, long-range effort with 13 minutes remaining, but the Belgian was flagged for offside.
Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi collided with Kiel’s Steven Skrzybski midway through the second half and was stretchered from the field.
Mainz however failed to take advantage of Leipzig’s struggles, drawing 2-2 at home against Wolfsburg despite leading for most of the match.
Freiburg also boosted their European hopes with a 3-2 win over Hoffenheim, with Lucas Hoeler scoring a brace.
Freiburg sit fifth, a point behind Leipzig and one ahead of Mainz, in sixth.
Werder Bremen beat Bochum 1-0 thanks to a goal from Mitchell Weiser, helping their own European chances while deepening their opponents’ relegation woes.
Bochum, who have beaten Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund this season, sit second to last and are nine points from safety with four games remaining.