Bayern Munich are one win from an eighth straight Bundesliga title after Leon Goretzka inspired Saturday's narrow win over Moenchengladbach, while injury-hit Schalke claimed an unwanted club record.

AFP Sport looks at five key things from this weekend's action:

<h2>No beer showers, no trophy show</h2>

Bayern can be crowned German champions for the 30th time if they win at Werder Bremen on Tuesday, but the hygiene measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic means any celebrations will be subdued.

Traditionally, the winning team chase each other with over-sized glasses of wheat beer on the pitch once they have won the title, but 'beer showers' are banned under German league rules this year.

The Mayor of Munich has also ruled out Bayern showing off the Bundesliga trophy at the city's town hall on Marienplatz.

"I am sure an appropriate honour will be found if Bayern should win the title," Munich mayor Dieter Reiter told German daily Bild.

<h2>Mueller's reprimand</h2>

Thomas Mueller was reprimanded by Bayern Munich's director of sport Hasan Salihamidzic, it was revealed over the weekend, for commenting on the club's transfer policy.

Mueller strayed offside when he was asked last week about rumours Bayern want to buy Leverkusen talent Kai Havertz.

"He's an extremely good player", said Mueller, who added he had "no insight into the club's finances", but "it's a bit paradoxical to always talk about new players and save on salaries at the same time".

With Mueller suspended for a fifth yellow card for Bayern's 2-1 win over Moenchengladbach, Salihamidzic said on Saturday that he had "told him (Mueller) that it was not correct" for players to "comment on transfers".

On Sunday, Mueller said on Facebook that his opinion had been "proactively" interpreted by the media and he only wanted "the best possible squad".

<h2>Leipzig braced to lose Werner</h2>

Third-placed RB Leipzig can book a Champions League place next season by beating Fortuna Duesseldorf on Wednesday, but head coach Julian Nagelsmann is already planning without Chelsea-target Timo Werner.

Werner has 25 league goals this season and Chelsea reportedly want to action a release clause to sign him for around 60 million euros (£53 million, $67 million).

"Should Timo leave us," said Nagelsmann on Sunday, Leipzig's main source of goals will be "gone".

The transfer is "not sealed yet", said Nagelsmann, but "when a top player goes, it creates a hole and it is up to us to fill it."

<h2>Schalke's unwanted record</h2>

Schalke, who were missing 10 players, set a club record of 13 league games without a win on Sunday as head coach David Wagner was forced to name an inexperienced squad for the 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.

A penalty early in the second-half by Schalke's Daniel Caligiuri was cancelled out by a late own goal from defender Juan Miranda.

Schalke are winless since January's 2-0 win at home to Moenchengladbach as they drop to ninth in the table having been third in December.&nbsp;

Wagner gave league debuts to Schalke's Under-19 captain and winger Can Bozdogan and second-half replacement Jonas Hofmann, 23, who was promoted from the reserves.

"It shows that despite the results, despite the difficulties, this squad stands together and tries to make impossible things possible," said Wagner.

<h2>Fuellkrug's dream return</h2>

Bremen striker Niclas Fuellkrug made a dream return when he scored after 273 days out with a knee injury.

Fuellkrug came on for the last 15 minutes at last placed Paderborn and scored the final goal in Saturday's 5-1 rout which gives second-from-bottom Bremen hope of staying up.

The 27-year-old tore his cruciate ligament in training last September and had to go under the knife again in February.

"It was a very nice moment, a bit emotional and a reward which I have had to earn over a long period of time," he said after his goal.

Fuellkrug celebrated by jumping into the arms of Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt, who said the striker is unlikely to start against Bayern on Tuesday.

Bayern Munich are one win from an eighth straight Bundesliga title after Leon Goretzka inspired Saturday's narrow win over Moenchengladbach, while injury-hit Schalke claimed an unwanted club record.

Bayern Munich are one win from an eighth straight Bundesliga title after Leon Goretzka inspired Saturday's narrow win over Moenchengladbach, while injury-hit Schalke claimed an unwanted club record. AFP Sport looks at five key things from this weekend's action: No beer showers, no trophy show Bayern can be crowned German champions for the 30th time if they win at Werder Bremen on Tuesday, but the hygiene measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic means any celebrations will be subdued. Traditionally, the winning team chase each other with over-sized glasses of wheat beer on the pitch once they have won the title, but 'beer showers' are banned under German league rules this year. The Mayor of Munich has also ruled out Bayern showing off the Bundesliga trophy at the city's town hall on Marienplatz. "I am sure an appropriate honour will be found if Bayern should win the title," Munich mayor Dieter Reiter told German daily Bild. Mueller's reprimand Thomas Mueller was reprimanded by Bayern Munich's director of sport Hasan Salihamidzic, it was revealed over the weekend, for commenting on the club's transfer policy. Mueller strayed offside when he was asked last week about rumours Bayern want to buy Leverkusen talent Kai Havertz. "He's an extremely good player", said Mueller, who added he had "no insight into the club's finances", but "it's a bit paradoxical to always talk about new players and save on salaries at the same time". With Mueller suspended for a fifth yellow card for Bayern's 2-1 win over Moenchengladbach, Salihamidzic said on Saturday that he had "told him (Mueller) that it was not correct" for players to "comment on transfers". On Sunday, Mueller said on Facebook that his opinion had been "proactively" interpreted by the media and he only wanted "the best possible squad". Leipzig braced to lose Werner Third-placed RB Leipzig can book a Champions League place next season by beating Fortuna Duesseldorf on Wednesday, but head coach Julian Nagelsmann is already planning without Chelsea-target Timo Werner. Werner has 25 league goals this season and Chelsea reportedly want to action a release clause to sign him for around 60 million euros (£53 million, $67 million). "Should Timo leave us," said Nagelsmann on Sunday, Leipzig's main source of goals will be "gone". The transfer is "not sealed yet", said Nagelsmann, but "when a top player goes, it creates a hole and it is up to us to fill it." Schalke's unwanted record Schalke, who were missing 10 players, set a club record of 13 league games without a win on Sunday as head coach David Wagner was forced to name an inexperienced squad for the 1-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen. A penalty early in the second-half by Schalke's Daniel Caligiuri was cancelled out by a late own goal from defender Juan Miranda. Schalke are winless since January's 2-0 win at home to Moenchengladbach as they drop to ninth in the table having been third in December. Wagner gave league debuts to Schalke's Under-19 captain and winger Can Bozdogan and second-half replacement Jonas Hofmann, 23, who was promoted from the reserves. "It shows that despite the results, despite the difficulties, this squad stands together and tries to make impossible things possible," said Wagner. Fuellkrug's dream return Bremen striker Niclas Fuellkrug made a dream return when he scored after 273 days out with a knee injury. Fuellkrug came on for the last 15 minutes at last placed Paderborn and scored the final goal in Saturday's 5-1 rout which gives second-from-bottom Bremen hope of staying up. The 27-year-old tore his cruciate ligament in training last September and had to go under the knife again in February. "It was a very nice moment, a bit emotional and a reward which I have had to earn over a long period of time," he said after his goal. Fuellkrug celebrated by jumping into the arms of Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt, who said the striker is unlikely to start against Bayern on Tuesday.

Five things from the Bundesliga

After bringing back Indians from Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Navy ships are all set to bring back Indians from Iran.

In the first phase of operation "Samudra Setu"&nbsp;from Iran, INS Shardul will bring back Indians from Bandar Abbas, Iran to Porbandar, Gujarat. It&nbsp;is part of the third phase of "Vande Bharat"&nbsp;mission announced by EAM Dr Jaishankar last month.

As far as INS Shardul is concerned, most of the over 200 Indians coming back are Gujarat&nbsp;fishermen. There are also some seafarers and workers. A 15-member team from the Indian mission in Tehran and consulates in Bandar Abbas and Zahedan have been present to coordinate the repatriation.

The second phase of Samudra Setu from Iran is expected to facilitate the return of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

There are more than 1,000 Indian fishermen in Iran’s southern provinces of Hormozgan and Bushehr. They are spread over a large geographical area of around 500 kms and live in remote areas such as Asaluyeh, Chiruyeh, Charak, Lavan island, Moqam, Bustaneh and the popular tourist place, Kish island.

They operate from small jetties. These fishermen hail primarily from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Kerala. They have been earning their livelihood in Iran over the last 4-5 years.

The Indian mission in Tehran and its Consulate in Bandar Abbas have been in constant touch with these fishermen during the COVID-19 pandemic and had provided essential supplies to them in March&nbsp;despite inter-province lockdown and other restrictions.

Last month saw India beginning repatriation from the Maldives via INS Jalashwa and INS Magar. It&nbsp;was expanded to Sri Lanka earlier this month. More than 2,500 people in the two&nbsp;countries have been brought back via two&nbsp;Navy ships.

Iran was among the earliest countries to be significantly impacted by the coronavirus. The first case in Iran was&nbsp;reported on February.

Special flights to repatriate Indian nationals from Iran started in early March. There were as many as seven flights in March and two in May.

More than 1,500 Indians have been brought back home via these flights, including more than 1100 pilgrims (around 900 from Ladakh, more than 100 from J&amp;K and around 50 from Maharashtra), around 200 students, mostly from J&amp;K, and more than 50 seafarers from all over India.

After bringing back Indians from Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Navy ships are all set to bring back Indians from Iran. In the first phase of operation "Samudra Setu" from Iran, INS Shardul will bring back Indians from Bandar Abbas, Iran to Porbandar, Gujarat.

After bringing back Indians from Sri Lanka and Maldives, Indian Navy ships are all set to bring back Indians from Iran. In the first phase of operation "Samudra Setu" from Iran, INS Shardul will bring back Indians from Bandar Abbas, Iran to Porbandar, Gujarat. It is part of the third phase of "Vande Bharat" mission announced by EAM Dr Jaishankar last month. As far as INS Shardul is concerned, most of the over 200 Indians coming back are Gujarat fishermen. There are also some seafarers and workers. A 15-member team from the Indian mission in Tehran and consulates in Bandar Abbas and Zahedan have been present to coordinate the repatriation. The second phase of Samudra Setu from Iran is expected to facilitate the return of fishermen from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There are more than 1,000 Indian fishermen in Iran’s southern provinces of Hormozgan and Bushehr. They are spread over a large geographical area of around 500 kms and live in remote areas such as Asaluyeh, Chiruyeh, Charak, Lavan island, Moqam, Bustaneh and the popular tourist place, Kish island. They operate from small jetties. These fishermen hail primarily from Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Kerala. They have been earning their livelihood in Iran over the last 4-5 years. The Indian mission in Tehran and its Consulate in Bandar Abbas have been in constant touch with these fishermen during the COVID-19 pandemic and had provided essential supplies to them in March despite inter-province lockdown and other restrictions. Last month saw India beginning repatriation from the Maldives via INS Jalashwa and INS Magar. It was expanded to Sri Lanka earlier this month. More than 2,500 people in the two countries have been brought back via two Navy ships. Iran was among the earliest countries to be significantly impacted by the coronavirus. The first case in Iran was reported on February. Special flights to repatriate Indian nationals from Iran started in early March. There were as many as seven flights in March and two in May. More than 1,500 Indians have been brought back home via these flights, including more than 1100 pilgrims (around 900 from Ladakh, more than 100 from J&K and around 50 from Maharashtra), around 200 students, mostly from J&K, and more than 50 seafarers from all over India.

Bundesliga: Werder slip towards drop, Union eye safety as teams take knee for Floyd

RB Leipzig returned to third place in the Bundesliga with an entertaining 4-2 victory at Cologne on Monday.

Jhon Cordoba claimed the early advantage for the home side but Leipzig scored four in 37 minutes, including Timo Werner's 31st in all competitions, to climb back above Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen in the hunt for a Champions League place.

"We wanted the three points, we succeeded. But it is annoying that we fell behind early and wasted a few chances," Leipzig's managing director Oliver Mintzlaff told broadcaster DAZN.

"We are back on course for the Champions League which is our goal, but the pressure is great. Everyone has to go all in, be totally focused and focused," he added.

The hosts' boss Markus Gisdol made four changes from Wednesday's loss at Hoffenheim, starting Rafael Czichos in place of suspended Sebastian Bournaauw, red carded in the defeat.

Leipzig's Julian Nagelsmann switched both his wing-backs from Wednesday's draw to Hertha Berlin as Angelino, on loan from Manchester City, and French youth international Nordi Mukiele started.

The home side took the early lead as Cordoba poached for his 10th home goal of the campaign.

Midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj's effort deflected onto the far post and the Colombian finished from the rebound after seven minutes.

The sides were level 13 minutes later as Schick headed home Angelino's cross to start the flutter of goals.

Things went from bad to worse for Gisdol's men four minutes later as Cordoba was forced off with an injury and replaced by Anthony Modeste.

Leipzig's took the lead eight minutes from the break as Christopher Nkunku claimed his first goal since January.

Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer played a clever ball into the box and former Paris Saint-Germain attacker Nkunku dinked his finish over the onrushing Timo Horn.

<h2>- Werner after the break -</h2>

Leipzig went further ahead three minutes into the second-half as Werner, who has been linked with a move to Premier League leaders Liverpool, raced clear in a rapid counter-attack and beat Horn with a side-footed finish.

Cologne hit back four minutes later as Leipzig failed to clear outside their area and Modeste curled home a shot.

Leipzig's two-goal lead was re-established less than two minutes later as Spain midfielder Dani Olmo scored his first goal since joining Leipzig in January with a curling shot of his own from the edge of the box.

Substitute Modeste seemed to have won the chance to reduce the advantage with 18 minutes left but was denied a penalty by VAR after Lucas Klostermann's tackle.

With two minutes remaining Modeste then wasted a one-on-one with Peter Gulasci and Nagelsmann's Leipzig held on for three points.

RB Leipzig returned to third place in the Bundesliga with an entertaining 4-2 victory at Cologne on Monday. Jhon Cordoba claimed the early advantage for the home side but Leipzig scored four in 37 minutes, including Timo Werner's 31st in all competitions, to climb back above Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen in the hunt for a Champions League place.

RB Leipzig returned to third place in the Bundesliga with an entertaining 4-2 victory at Cologne on Monday. Jhon Cordoba claimed the early advantage for the home side but Leipzig scored four in 37 minutes, including Timo Werner's 31st in all competitions, to climb back above Borussia Moenchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen in the hunt for a Champions League place. "We wanted the three points, we succeeded. But it is annoying that we fell behind early and wasted a few chances," Leipzig's managing director Oliver Mintzlaff told broadcaster DAZN. "We are back on course for the Champions League which is our goal, but the pressure is great. Everyone has to go all in, be totally focused and focused," he added. The hosts' boss Markus Gisdol made four changes from Wednesday's loss at Hoffenheim, starting Rafael Czichos in place of suspended Sebastian Bournaauw, red carded in the defeat. Leipzig's Julian Nagelsmann switched both his wing-backs from Wednesday's draw to Hertha Berlin as Angelino, on loan from Manchester City, and French youth international Nordi Mukiele started. The home side took the early lead as Cordoba poached for his 10th home goal of the campaign. Midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj's effort deflected onto the far post and the Colombian finished from the rebound after seven minutes. The sides were level 13 minutes later as Schick headed home Angelino's cross to start the flutter of goals. Things went from bad to worse for Gisdol's men four minutes later as Cordoba was forced off with an injury and replaced by Anthony Modeste. Leipzig's took the lead eight minutes from the break as Christopher Nkunku claimed his first goal since January. Austria midfielder Konrad Laimer played a clever ball into the box and former Paris Saint-Germain attacker Nkunku dinked his finish over the onrushing Timo Horn. - Werner after the break - Leipzig went further ahead three minutes into the second-half as Werner, who has been linked with a move to Premier League leaders Liverpool, raced clear in a rapid counter-attack and beat Horn with a side-footed finish. Cologne hit back four minutes later as Leipzig failed to clear outside their area and Modeste curled home a shot. Leipzig's two-goal lead was re-established less than two minutes later as Spain midfielder Dani Olmo scored his first goal since joining Leipzig in January with a curling shot of his own from the edge of the box. Substitute Modeste seemed to have won the chance to reduce the advantage with 18 minutes left but was denied a penalty by VAR after Lucas Klostermann's tackle. With two minutes remaining Modeste then wasted a one-on-one with Peter Gulasci and Nagelsmann's Leipzig held on for three points.

Werner's Leipzig 'back on course' for Champions League with Cologne win

Bayern Munich opened a 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 5-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf behind closed doors with the league's top-scorer Robert Lewandowski scoring twice.

Duesseldorf defender Mathias Joergensen scored an early own goal before Benjamin Pavard, Lewandowski (2) and Alphonso Davies hit the target.

With five games left, Bayern, who have won their last eight league games, are comfortably on course for an eighth straight league title.

However, second-placed Borussia Dortmund could trim their lead on Sunday at bottom side Paderborn.

Lewandowski, who had never previously scored in six games against Duesseldorf, made amends with goals either side of half-time.

Fortuna, who were unbeaten in their three games since the league resumed after a two-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus, were humbled at the Allianz Arena where they last poached a 3-3 draw in November 2018.

They fell behind on 15 minutes when Joergensen turned the ball into his own net after Pavard mishit his shot.

Right-back Pavard then grabbed the second with a powerful header on 29 minutes before Lewandowski made it 3-0 just before the break after being presented with a tap-in by Thomas Mueller.

Duesseldorf were floored with two goals in as many minutes as Lewandowski profited again with another poacher's goal after Serge Gnabry's good work.

Davies then scored the game's best goal.

After some high pressing, the Canadian teen won the ball in the Duesseldorf area, barged past a succession of defenders and fired home to make it 5-0 on 52 minutes.

<h2>- US death protest -</h2>

Werder Bremen boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win at Schalke, who are winless in 11 games and continue to plummet.

Midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt scored a first-half winner.

"This is a very, very important away win," said Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt.

"We have taken seven points from the last three games, but if you look at the table, we are still behind."

Bremen have spent more seasons in the Bundesliga than any other club, but currently sit second from bottom.

However, Saturday's victory leaves them just three points from guaranteed safety with six games left.

They are two points behind Duesseldorf in 16th, which carries a relegation play-off at the end of the season.

Werder could climb out of the relegation places for the first time since December on Wednesday if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt at home.

Bittencourt hit a stunning strike from just outside the box which beat Schalke's Bayern-bound goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel on 32 minutes.

Schalke succumbed to their fourth straight defeat, piling pressure on head coach David Wagner.&nbsp;

In the same game, Schalke's American midfielder Weston McKennie wore a 'Justice for George' armband as part of the growing protests over the death of an unarmed black man during a police arrest in the United States.

"To be able to use my platform to bring attention to a problem that has been going on too long feels good!!!," tweeted 21-year-old McKennie.

"We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard."

George Floyd died in Minneapolis in an arrest by a police officer who pinned him to the ground for several minutes by kneeling on his neck.&nbsp;

<h2>- Hertha on the rise -</h2>

Hertha remain unbeaten with three wins and a draw since Bruno Labbadia took charge during the lockdown after their 2-0 win at home to Augsburg thanks for goals by Javairo Dilrosun and Krzysztof Piatek.

Having routed Leverkusen 4-1 away on Tuesday, Wolfsburg&nbsp;crashed to a 2-1 defeat at home to 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt.

Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada scored the winner 10 minutes from time while Frankfurt had replacement midfielder Lucas Torro sent off in the dying stages for a second yellow card.

Frankfurt took the lead when striker Andre Silva converted a penalty on 27 minutes, but Wolfsburg equalised when right-back Kevin Mbabu headed home on 58 minutes.

Hoffenheim are seventh after their 1-0 win at Mainz thanks to Ihlas Bebou who darted into the area, swept past two defenders, and fired home on 43 minutes.

On Friday, Leverkusen went third when Germany midfielder Kai Havertz became the first player in Bundesliga history to score 35 goals before his 21st birthday to seal a 1-0 win at Freiburg.

Bayern Munich opened a 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 5-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf behind closed doors with the league's top-scorer Robert Lewandowski scoring twice.

Bayern Munich opened a 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Saturday with a 5-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Fortuna Dusseldorf behind closed doors with the league's top-scorer Robert Lewandowski scoring twice. Duesseldorf defender Mathias Joergensen scored an early own goal before Benjamin Pavard, Lewandowski (2) and Alphonso Davies hit the target. With five games left, Bayern, who have won their last eight league games, are comfortably on course for an eighth straight league title. However, second-placed Borussia Dortmund could trim their lead on Sunday at bottom side Paderborn. Lewandowski, who had never previously scored in six games against Duesseldorf, made amends with goals either side of half-time. Fortuna, who were unbeaten in their three games since the league resumed after a two-month coronavirus-enforced hiatus, were humbled at the Allianz Arena where they last poached a 3-3 draw in November 2018. They fell behind on 15 minutes when Joergensen turned the ball into his own net after Pavard mishit his shot. Right-back Pavard then grabbed the second with a powerful header on 29 minutes before Lewandowski made it 3-0 just before the break after being presented with a tap-in by Thomas Mueller. Duesseldorf were floored with two goals in as many minutes as Lewandowski profited again with another poacher's goal after Serge Gnabry's good work. Davies then scored the game's best goal. After some high pressing, the Canadian teen won the ball in the Duesseldorf area, barged past a succession of defenders and fired home to make it 5-0 on 52 minutes. - US death protest - Werder Bremen boosted their survival hopes with a 1-0 win at Schalke, who are winless in 11 games and continue to plummet. Midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt scored a first-half winner. "This is a very, very important away win," said Bremen coach Florian Kohfeldt. "We have taken seven points from the last three games, but if you look at the table, we are still behind." Bremen have spent more seasons in the Bundesliga than any other club, but currently sit second from bottom. However, Saturday's victory leaves them just three points from guaranteed safety with six games left. They are two points behind Duesseldorf in 16th, which carries a relegation play-off at the end of the season. Werder could climb out of the relegation places for the first time since December on Wednesday if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt at home. Bittencourt hit a stunning strike from just outside the box which beat Schalke's Bayern-bound goalkeeper Alexander Nuebel on 32 minutes. Schalke succumbed to their fourth straight defeat, piling pressure on head coach David Wagner. In the same game, Schalke's American midfielder Weston McKennie wore a 'Justice for George' armband as part of the growing protests over the death of an unarmed black man during a police arrest in the United States. "To be able to use my platform to bring attention to a problem that has been going on too long feels good!!!," tweeted 21-year-old McKennie. "We have to stand up for what we believe in and I believe that it is time that we are heard." George Floyd died in Minneapolis in an arrest by a police officer who pinned him to the ground for several minutes by kneeling on his neck. - Hertha on the rise - Hertha remain unbeaten with three wins and a draw since Bruno Labbadia took charge during the lockdown after their 2-0 win at home to Augsburg thanks for goals by Javairo Dilrosun and Krzysztof Piatek. Having routed Leverkusen 4-1 away on Tuesday, Wolfsburg crashed to a 2-1 defeat at home to 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt. Japan midfielder Daichi Kamada scored the winner 10 minutes from time while Frankfurt had replacement midfielder Lucas Torro sent off in the dying stages for a second yellow card. Frankfurt took the lead when striker Andre Silva converted a penalty on 27 minutes, but Wolfsburg equalised when right-back Kevin Mbabu headed home on 58 minutes. Hoffenheim are seventh after their 1-0 win at Mainz thanks to Ihlas Bebou who darted into the area, swept past two defenders, and fired home on 43 minutes. On Friday, Leverkusen went third when Germany midfielder Kai Havertz became the first player in Bundesliga history to score 35 goals before his 21st birthday to seal a 1-0 win at Freiburg.

Lewandowski hits brace as Bayern Munich go 10 points clear

Joshua Kimmich described his winning goal as "brutally important" after Bayern Munich took a huge step towards an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday with a 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund to leave them seven points clear at the top with just six games left.

Kimmich's brilliant effort came just before half-time behind closed doors at Signal Iduna Park as hosts Dortmund missed the chance to turn up the heat on the Bavarians without the backing of their huge support.

"It was brutally important: I looked around to see if everyone understood how important it was," Kimmich said of his deft chip.

Kimmich's captain Manuel Neuer echoed the defensive midfielder's thoughts.

"That was a very important sign," said Neuer.

Bayern won 4-0 when the teams met in Munich in November and they kept up their excellent recent record against second-placed Dortmund.

"Now only Bayern can decide what happens," said frustrated Dortmund captain Mats Hummels.

"Sometimes, games are decided by brilliant moments and that was the case today."

Dortmund's star teenage striker, Erling Braut Haaland, who had scored ten goals in as many league games, failed to make an impact against Bayern's watertight defence before going off injured in the second half.

Jerome Boateng and David Alaba gave him no room, while Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in midfield made sure passes intended for him rarely met their mark. The Norway forward limped off with 20 minutes left after a heavy tackle from Boateng.

<h2>- Cleared chances -</h2>

Things might have been different, with Haaland coming close inside the first minute with an attempt that went through the legs of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer but was kicked off the line by Boateng.

At the other end, Lukasz Piszczek cleared a Serge Gnabry shot inches from the line, while moments later Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Buerki denied Kingsley Coman.

Bayern were in control, and Kimmich grabbed what proved to be the winner two minutes before half-time when he chipped Buerki from 20 yards.

It was the Germany international's third league goal from outside the box this season.

In an attempt to turn the game around, Dortmund coach Lucien Favre brought on midfield enforcer Emre Can at the start of the second half and added the pace of Jadon Sancho on the wing.

The home side had a shout for a penalty just before the hour mark when a Haaland shot was deflected wide by the arm of Boateng, but nothing was given.

Shortly after, Haaland limped off to be replaced by 17-year-old Giovanni Reyna.

In the dying stages, Favre brought on 2014 World Cup winner Mario Goetze, who is out of contract next month and set to leave, in the vain hope of grabbing an equaliser.

With time running out, Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski hit the post.

The league's top scorer then had a strong appeal for a late penalty waved away after a push in the area by Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji.

But the roars of celebration at the end came from the Bayern bench and echoed around the near-empty stadium.

<h2>- Leverkusen crash -</h2>

Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen dropped to fifth after being routed 4-1 at home by Wolfsburg, whose defender Marin Pongracic claimed two goals.

It was a shock defeat at home for Peter Bosz-coached Leverkusen who had won their previous 12 games.&nbsp;

Borussia Moenchengladbach climbed over Leverkusen into fourth with a goalless draw at second-from-bottom Werder Bremen, who are two points from safety.

Eintracht Frankfurt took a point at home in a 3-3 draw with Freiburg thanks to late goals by Timothy Chandler and Japan striker Daichi Kamada.

Third-placed RB Leipzig can draw level on points with Dortmund if they win on Wednesday at home to Hertha Berlin, who have won both games so far under new head coach Bruno Labbadia.

Leipzig will be without Danish striker Yussuf Poulsen, who is set to miss the rest of the season with injury.

Joshua Kimmich described his winning goal as "brutally important" after Bayern Munich took a huge step towards an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday with a 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund to leave them seven points clear at the top with just six games left.

Joshua Kimmich described his winning goal as "brutally important" after Bayern Munich took a huge step towards an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday with a 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund to leave them seven points clear at the top with just six games left. Kimmich's brilliant effort came just before half-time behind closed doors at Signal Iduna Park as hosts Dortmund missed the chance to turn up the heat on the Bavarians without the backing of their huge support. "It was brutally important: I looked around to see if everyone understood how important it was," Kimmich said of his deft chip. Kimmich's captain Manuel Neuer echoed the defensive midfielder's thoughts. "That was a very important sign," said Neuer. Bayern won 4-0 when the teams met in Munich in November and they kept up their excellent recent record against second-placed Dortmund. "Now only Bayern can decide what happens," said frustrated Dortmund captain Mats Hummels. "Sometimes, games are decided by brilliant moments and that was the case today." Dortmund's star teenage striker, Erling Braut Haaland, who had scored ten goals in as many league games, failed to make an impact against Bayern's watertight defence before going off injured in the second half. Jerome Boateng and David Alaba gave him no room, while Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in midfield made sure passes intended for him rarely met their mark. The Norway forward limped off with 20 minutes left after a heavy tackle from Boateng. - Cleared chances - Things might have been different, with Haaland coming close inside the first minute with an attempt that went through the legs of Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer but was kicked off the line by Boateng. At the other end, Lukasz Piszczek cleared a Serge Gnabry shot inches from the line, while moments later Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Buerki denied Kingsley Coman. Bayern were in control, and Kimmich grabbed what proved to be the winner two minutes before half-time when he chipped Buerki from 20 yards. It was the Germany international's third league goal from outside the box this season. In an attempt to turn the game around, Dortmund coach Lucien Favre brought on midfield enforcer Emre Can at the start of the second half and added the pace of Jadon Sancho on the wing. The home side had a shout for a penalty just before the hour mark when a Haaland shot was deflected wide by the arm of Boateng, but nothing was given. Shortly after, Haaland limped off to be replaced by 17-year-old Giovanni Reyna. In the dying stages, Favre brought on 2014 World Cup winner Mario Goetze, who is out of contract next month and set to leave, in the vain hope of grabbing an equaliser. With time running out, Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski hit the post. The league's top scorer then had a strong appeal for a late penalty waved away after a push in the area by Dortmund defender Manuel Akanji. But the roars of celebration at the end came from the Bayern bench and echoed around the near-empty stadium. - Leverkusen crash - Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen dropped to fifth after being routed 4-1 at home by Wolfsburg, whose defender Marin Pongracic claimed two goals. It was a shock defeat at home for Peter Bosz-coached Leverkusen who had won their previous 12 games. Borussia Moenchengladbach climbed over Leverkusen into fourth with a goalless draw at second-from-bottom Werder Bremen, who are two points from safety. Eintracht Frankfurt took a point at home in a 3-3 draw with Freiburg thanks to late goals by Timothy Chandler and Japan striker Daichi Kamada. Third-placed RB Leipzig can draw level on points with Dortmund if they win on Wednesday at home to Hertha Berlin, who have won both games so far under new head coach Bruno Labbadia. Leipzig will be without Danish striker Yussuf Poulsen, who is set to miss the rest of the season with injury.

Bayern Munich down Dortmund to close on Bundesliga title