Mainz 05, who have around a dozen players in COVID-19 quarantine, struck early to stun last season`s Bundesliga runners-up RB Leipzig 1-0 on Sunday and spoil new coach Jesse Marsch`s first league match in charge. 
 
The game had been in doubt after several Mainz players and coaching staff tested positive for COVID-19 and 11 players and three staff were sent into isolation. 
 
Mainz`s Moussa Niakhate tapped in at the far post in the 13th minute, however, after a disastrous Leipzig attempt to clear the ball sent it into his path. 
 
Lee Jae-sung also hit the woodwork for Mainz but Leipzig gradually took control and made their own chances for Christopher Nkunku and Angelino. 
 
In a largely one-sided second half, Leipzig pushed Mainz back deep but struggled to create openings, although they did come close with Mohamed Simakan`s double chance on the hour and Mukiele`s shot. 
 
"It wasn`t how we were hoping to start the season," Leipzig coach Marsch, who succeeded Julian Nagelsmann, said. 
 
"Mainz sat back and defended after their goal and fought for every ball. That didn`t leave much space for us. It definitely wasn`t our best game, but we will continue to work. 
 
"In total not our best day. It is okay that when we have the first tough result we are still a work in progress," American Marsch added. 
 
Champions Bayern Munich kicked off their season on Friday with a 1-1 draw at Borussia Moenchengladbach while fellow title contenders Borussia Dortmund crushed Eintracht Frankfurt 5-2 on Saturday.

Mainz 05, who have around a dozen players in COVID-19 quarantine, struck early to stun last season`s Bundesliga runners-up RB Leipzig 1-0 on Sunday and spoil new coach Jesse Marsch`s first league match in charge.

Mainz 05, who have around a dozen players in COVID-19 quarantine, struck early to stun last season`s Bundesliga runners-up RB Leipzig 1-0 on Sunday and spoil new coach Jesse Marsch`s first league match in charge. The game had been in doubt after several Mainz players and coaching staff tested positive for COVID-19 and 11 players and three staff were sent into isolation. Mainz`s Moussa Niakhate tapped in at the far post in the 13th minute, however, after a disastrous Leipzig attempt to clear the ball sent it into his path. Lee Jae-sung also hit the woodwork for Mainz but Leipzig gradually took control and made their own chances for Christopher Nkunku and Angelino. In a largely one-sided second half, Leipzig pushed Mainz back deep but struggled to create openings, although they did come close with Mohamed Simakan`s double chance on the hour and Mukiele`s shot. "It wasn`t how we were hoping to start the season," Leipzig coach Marsch, who succeeded Julian Nagelsmann, said. "Mainz sat back and defended after their goal and fought for every ball. That didn`t leave much space for us. It definitely wasn`t our best game, but we will continue to work. "In total not our best day. It is okay that when we have the first tough result we are still a work in progress," American Marsch added. Champions Bayern Munich kicked off their season on Friday with a 1-1 draw at Borussia Moenchengladbach while fellow title contenders Borussia Dortmund crushed Eintracht Frankfurt 5-2 on Saturday.

Football - COVID-hit Mainz upset Leipzig in season opener

US&nbsp;forward Josh Sargent has joined Premier League Norwich City from Werder Bremen on a four-year deal, the newly-promoted club said on Monday. 
 
Financial details were not disclosed.&nbsp; 
 
The 21-year-old scored 15 goals in 83 games in all competitions in his two and a half years with the German club's senior side. 
 
"I've always wanted to play in the Premier League, so it’s a very exciting opportunity for me," he told the club website.&nbsp; 
 
Sargent follows Kosovo international winger Milot Rashica, who joined Norwich in June after Werder Bremen were relegated on the Bundesliga's final day. 
 
"We know we have to be a bit more creative in the transfer market," said Norwich's German manager Daniel Farke. 
 
"We think we have a player in Josh who can contribute and develop into a top goalscorer on Premier League level. We see his potential and are delighted to have him with us." 
&nbsp;

US forward Josh Sargent has joined Premier League Norwich City from Werder Bremen on a four-year deal, the newly-promoted club said on Monday. Financial details were not disclosed.

US forward Josh Sargent has joined Premier League Norwich City from Werder Bremen on a four-year deal, the newly-promoted club said on Monday. Financial details were not disclosed. The 21-year-old scored 15 goals in 83 games in all competitions in his two and a half years with the German club's senior side. "I've always wanted to play in the Premier League, so it’s a very exciting opportunity for me," he told the club website. Sargent follows Kosovo international winger Milot Rashica, who joined Norwich in June after Werder Bremen were relegated on the Bundesliga's final day. "We know we have to be a bit more creative in the transfer market," said Norwich's German manager Daniel Farke. "We think we have a player in Josh who can contribute and develop into a top goalscorer on Premier League level. We see his potential and are delighted to have him with us."

Football: US forward Josh Sargent joins Norwich from Werder Bremen

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski shattered a 49-year-old record in Bundesliga after scoring the 41st goal of the season in the last minute of their last match, a 5-2 win over Augsburg.

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The Bundesliga goal-scoring record for a single season was previously held by German legend Gerd Mueller, who scored 40 goals in the 1971/72 season. The Polish striker is also chasing another record held by Mueller. Lewandowski is in the second position on the all-time scorer's list in the Bundesliga with 277 goals. Gerd Mueller is on top with 365 goals.&nbsp;

Lewandowski was looking to miss out on the long-standing record after missing some clear chances in the match, however, the Polish striker fired in the very last minute to steal the show for champions Bayern Munich.&nbsp;

Robert Lewandowski managed to net 41 goals in a Bundesliga season despite being on the sidelines for a few weeks due to injury.&nbsp;

At the other end of the table, former Bundesliga champions Werder Bremen were relegated for the first time since 1980 following their 4-2 defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach, along with already-relegated Schalke 04.

"We tried to turn it around but it did not work," said coach Thomas Schaaf, a former Bremen player and longtime coach, who was brought back for the final game of the season.

"It is hard for me to talk at the moment. The players are sitting in the changing room. Silence."

Cologne will go into the relegation playoffs after scoring an 86th-minute winner over Schalke while Union Berlin will play in the new Europa Conference League after finishing seventh thanks to Max Kruse's dramatic stoppage-time winner against RB Leipzig.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski shattered a 49-year-old record in Bundesliga after scoring the 41st goal of the season in the last minute of their last match, a 5-2 win over Augsburg.

Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski shattered a 49-year-old record in Bundesliga after scoring the 41st goal of the season in the last minute of their last match, a 5-2 win over Augsburg. ALSO READ: Football: Atletico Madrid clinch La Liga title thanks to Suarez winner The Bundesliga goal-scoring record for a single season was previously held by German legend Gerd Mueller, who scored 40 goals in the 1971/72 season. The Polish striker is also chasing another record held by Mueller. Lewandowski is in the second position on the all-time scorer's list in the Bundesliga with 277 goals. Gerd Mueller is on top with 365 goals. Lewandowski was looking to miss out on the long-standing record after missing some clear chances in the match, however, the Polish striker fired in the very last minute to steal the show for champions Bayern Munich. Robert Lewandowski managed to net 41 goals in a Bundesliga season despite being on the sidelines for a few weeks due to injury. At the other end of the table, former Bundesliga champions Werder Bremen were relegated for the first time since 1980 following their 4-2 defeat to Borussia Moenchengladbach, along with already-relegated Schalke 04. "We tried to turn it around but it did not work," said coach Thomas Schaaf, a former Bremen player and longtime coach, who was brought back for the final game of the season. "It is hard for me to talk at the moment. The players are sitting in the changing room. Silence." Cologne will go into the relegation playoffs after scoring an 86th-minute winner over Schalke while Union Berlin will play in the new Europa Conference League after finishing seventh thanks to Max Kruse's dramatic stoppage-time winner against RB Leipzig. (Inputs from Reuters)

Football: Robert Lewandowski shatters 49-year-old record in Bundesliga

Football: From Messi to Lewandowski: Single season top-scorers in Europe's five main leagues

Robert Lewandowski can break Gerd Mueller's 49-year-old Bundesliga single-season goal record this weekend when champions Bayern Munich play in front of their home fans for the first time since March 2020.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-steven-gerrard-david-beckham-complete-premier-league-hall-of-fame-2021-inductees-list-386307" hreflang="en">Football: Steven Gerrard, David Beckham complete Premier League Hall of Fame 2021 inductees list</a>

The Poland striker's penalty in Bayern's 2-2 draw at Freiburg last time out saw him equal Mueller's record of 40 goals in a single Bundesliga campaign, set in 1971/72.

With one game left Lewandowski, the Bundesliga's top scorer in six of the last eight years, can set a new record against Augsburg on Saturday.

"I guess he'll score two goals at the weekend and break the record," predicts former Bayer Leverkusen striker Ulf Kirsten, 55, a three-time Bundesliga top scorer in the 1990s.

"Nevertheless, I hope things stay as they are, because Gerd Mueller was my idol."

With a ninth straight league title already confirmed, Bayern will lift the Bundesliga trophy after the final whistle.

There will also be a farewell for last season's treble-winning coach Hansi Flick, hotly tipped to take charge of Germany after Euro 2020.

Likewise, defenders Jerome Boateng and David Alaba, whose contracts have not been renewed, will play their last game after more than a decade with Bayern.

Alaba is expected to join Real Madrid and leaves with a joint-record of 10 Bundesliga titles under his belt, while Boateng, 32, needs a new club.

For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Germany 14 months ago, fans will return to the Allianz Arena with just 250 allowed into the 75,000-capacity stadium.

Health workers will get 100 tickets with the rest shared between supporters and staff.

With infection rates dropping across Germany, other Bundesliga clubs can also welcome back small numbers of fans.

Union Berlin, on the verge of qualifying for the new Europa Conference League, will allow 2,000 spectators for Saturday's home game against RB Leipzig, who are already confirmed as runners-up.

The top four places are decided with Bayern, Leipzig, Dortmund and Wolfsburg assured of Champions League football next season.

However, things are tight at the other end of the table with two points separating Cologne, Werder Bremen and Arminia Bielefeld, the three clubs fighting to stay up above Schalke, who are bottom of the league and already relegated.

To stand a chance of avoiding automatic relegation, second-from-bottom Cologne must beat Schalke.

Bremen, who sacked head coach Florian Kohfeldt last Sunday, are 16th, which carries a relegation play-off next week against the club who finish third in the second division.

Bremen played the two-legged play-off for last year, squeezing past second-tier side Heidenheim on away goals.

Bielefeld are 15th, but they must win at Stuttgart to be sure of not getting dragged into the bottom three.

<h2>One to watch: Erling Braut Haaland</h2>

The towering Norway striker can bag his 40th goal in all competitions this season for Dortmund at home to Bayer Leverkusen.

The hosts are on a roll, winning their previous six league games to qualify for the Champions League as well as thumping Leipzig 4-1 in the German Cup final.

Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, who has bagged four goals and two assists in three games, will be looking to press his claim for a place in England's Euro 2020 squad.

<h2>Key stats</h2>

430: Appearances David Alaba has made for Bayern Munich over the last 11 years, having come through the club's academy.

28: Number of Bundesliga games Lewandowski has needed to score 40 goals this season, while Gerd Mueller achieved the same tally over 34 matches.

7: Trophies Flick has won during 18 months at Bayern Munich, losing just eight of his 85 matches in charge, with 69 wins.

&nbsp;

Fixtures (all 1330 GMT)

Saturday

Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, VfL Wolfsburg v Mainz 05, Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke 04, Werder Bremen v Borussia Moenchengladbach, VfB Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld

Robert Lewandowski can break Gerd Mueller's 49-year-old Bundesliga single-season goal record this weekend when champions Bayern Munich play in front of their home fans for the first time since March 2020.

Robert Lewandowski can break Gerd Mueller's 49-year-old Bundesliga single-season goal record this weekend when champions Bayern Munich play in front of their home fans for the first time since March 2020. ALSO READ: Football: Steven Gerrard, David Beckham complete Premier League Hall of Fame 2021 inductees list The Poland striker's penalty in Bayern's 2-2 draw at Freiburg last time out saw him equal Mueller's record of 40 goals in a single Bundesliga campaign, set in 1971/72. With one game left Lewandowski, the Bundesliga's top scorer in six of the last eight years, can set a new record against Augsburg on Saturday. "I guess he'll score two goals at the weekend and break the record," predicts former Bayer Leverkusen striker Ulf Kirsten, 55, a three-time Bundesliga top scorer in the 1990s. "Nevertheless, I hope things stay as they are, because Gerd Mueller was my idol." With a ninth straight league title already confirmed, Bayern will lift the Bundesliga trophy after the final whistle. There will also be a farewell for last season's treble-winning coach Hansi Flick, hotly tipped to take charge of Germany after Euro 2020. Likewise, defenders Jerome Boateng and David Alaba, whose contracts have not been renewed, will play their last game after more than a decade with Bayern. Alaba is expected to join Real Madrid and leaves with a joint-record of 10 Bundesliga titles under his belt, while Boateng, 32, needs a new club. For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic hit Germany 14 months ago, fans will return to the Allianz Arena with just 250 allowed into the 75,000-capacity stadium. Health workers will get 100 tickets with the rest shared between supporters and staff. With infection rates dropping across Germany, other Bundesliga clubs can also welcome back small numbers of fans. Union Berlin, on the verge of qualifying for the new Europa Conference League, will allow 2,000 spectators for Saturday's home game against RB Leipzig, who are already confirmed as runners-up. The top four places are decided with Bayern, Leipzig, Dortmund and Wolfsburg assured of Champions League football next season. However, things are tight at the other end of the table with two points separating Cologne, Werder Bremen and Arminia Bielefeld, the three clubs fighting to stay up above Schalke, who are bottom of the league and already relegated. To stand a chance of avoiding automatic relegation, second-from-bottom Cologne must beat Schalke. Bremen, who sacked head coach Florian Kohfeldt last Sunday, are 16th, which carries a relegation play-off next week against the club who finish third in the second division. Bremen played the two-legged play-off for last year, squeezing past second-tier side Heidenheim on away goals. Bielefeld are 15th, but they must win at Stuttgart to be sure of not getting dragged into the bottom three. One to watch: Erling Braut Haaland The towering Norway striker can bag his 40th goal in all competitions this season for Dortmund at home to Bayer Leverkusen. The hosts are on a roll, winning their previous six league games to qualify for the Champions League as well as thumping Leipzig 4-1 in the German Cup final. Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho, who has bagged four goals and two assists in three games, will be looking to press his claim for a place in England's Euro 2020 squad. Key stats 430: Appearances David Alaba has made for Bayern Munich over the last 11 years, having come through the club's academy. 28: Number of Bundesliga games Lewandowski has needed to score 40 goals this season, while Gerd Mueller achieved the same tally over 34 matches. 7: Trophies Flick has won during 18 months at Bayern Munich, losing just eight of his 85 matches in charge, with 69 wins. Fixtures (all 1330 GMT) Saturday Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, VfL Wolfsburg v Mainz 05, Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke 04, Werder Bremen v Borussia Moenchengladbach, VfB Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld

Football: Lewandowski poised to make Bundesliga history as Bayern welcome back fans

Thomas Mueller hailed Bayern Munich's "phenomenal" achievement after they were confirmed Bundesliga champions for the ninth season in a row on Saturday.

Robert Lewandowski grabbed a hat-trick in a 6-0 thrashing of Borussia Moenchengladbach at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Bayern were confirmed champions even before kick-off after Borussia Dortmund's 3-2 win at home to second-placed RB Leipzig earlier in the day sent the title to Munich.

"Nine titles in a row, that's crazy. And I was there each time. I'm very grateful for that," said Mueller, 31, who now holds the joint record of 10 Bundesliga titles with team-mate David Alaba.

"It shows the development of this club over the years.

"It's phenomenal, it's a huge amount of work every year with a great team."

Head coach Hansi Flick has now won seven titles in 18 months, but will leave to be replaced by RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann next season.

"That performance was worthy of champions," said Flick.

Mueller scored Bayern's second goal while Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane also got on the scoresheet alongside Lewandowski, who now has 39 league goals this season, one short of Gerd Mueller's all-time Bundesliga record.

"We wanted to show on the pitch that we are German champions," said Lewandowski, who insisted he will "keep stepping on the gas" as he chases Mueller's record with two games left.

Flick says Lewandowski is writing himself into the club's folklore.

"Gerd Mueller was my idol when I was young, but what Gerd Mueller was in my youth, Lewandowski is today," he said.

"If he manages the record, it will have been more than deserved."

Club captain Manuel Neuer admitted it was a "bizarre situation" to be crowned champions while still warming up.

"We were just getting ready, there are a few TVs in the dressing rooms," said the Germany goalkeeper.

"We realised that we had become champions and started congratulating each other."

Thomas Mueller, a one-club wonder who won his first Bundesliga title with Bayern back in 2009/10, said he never dreamed of such success when he joined the Bavarian giants as a schoolboy.&nbsp;

"When you play here as a little boy, you don't think you'll ever play in the first team at FC Bayern. You're just happy when you get tickets for home games," he quipped.

Thomas Mueller hailed Bayern Munich's "phenomenal" achievement after they were confirmed Bundesliga champions for the ninth season in a row on Saturday. Robert Lewandowski grabbed a hat-trick in a 6-0 thrashing of Borussia Moenchengladbach at the Allianz Arena in Munich.

Thomas Mueller hailed Bayern Munich's "phenomenal" achievement after they were confirmed Bundesliga champions for the ninth season in a row on Saturday. Robert Lewandowski grabbed a hat-trick in a 6-0 thrashing of Borussia Moenchengladbach at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Bayern were confirmed champions even before kick-off after Borussia Dortmund's 3-2 win at home to second-placed RB Leipzig earlier in the day sent the title to Munich. "Nine titles in a row, that's crazy. And I was there each time. I'm very grateful for that," said Mueller, 31, who now holds the joint record of 10 Bundesliga titles with team-mate David Alaba. "It shows the development of this club over the years. "It's phenomenal, it's a huge amount of work every year with a great team." Head coach Hansi Flick has now won seven titles in 18 months, but will leave to be replaced by RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann next season. "That performance was worthy of champions," said Flick. Mueller scored Bayern's second goal while Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane also got on the scoresheet alongside Lewandowski, who now has 39 league goals this season, one short of Gerd Mueller's all-time Bundesliga record. "We wanted to show on the pitch that we are German champions," said Lewandowski, who insisted he will "keep stepping on the gas" as he chases Mueller's record with two games left. Flick says Lewandowski is writing himself into the club's folklore. "Gerd Mueller was my idol when I was young, but what Gerd Mueller was in my youth, Lewandowski is today," he said. "If he manages the record, it will have been more than deserved." Club captain Manuel Neuer admitted it was a "bizarre situation" to be crowned champions while still warming up. "We were just getting ready, there are a few TVs in the dressing rooms," said the Germany goalkeeper. "We realised that we had become champions and started congratulating each other." Thomas Mueller, a one-club wonder who won his first Bundesliga title with Bayern back in 2009/10, said he never dreamed of such success when he joined the Bavarian giants as a schoolboy. "When you play here as a little boy, you don't think you'll ever play in the first team at FC Bayern. You're just happy when you get tickets for home games," he quipped.

Mueller hails Bayern Munich's 'phenomenal' ninth league title in a row

Bayern Munich already have their eyes on a decade of Bundesliga dominance after winning the league title for the ninth successive season on Saturday, celebrating their success with a 6-0 thrashing of Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to leave him on 39 league goals this season -- one short of Gerd Mueller's all-time Bundesliga record -- as the champions swept Gladbach aside at the Allianz Arena.

"We wanted to show on the pitch that we are German champions," said Lewandowski, who will "keep stepping on the gas" in chasing Mueller's record.

"Today was a great game, we played really well and scored a lot of goals."

The emphatic victory leaves Bayern 10 points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig, whose 3-2 loss at Borussia Dortmund sealed Bayern the title, with two games left.

The players learned they were champions again while still warming up following Dortmund's victory.

"It was a bizarre situation. We were just getting ready, when we realised that we were champions," said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer.

Board member Oliver Kahn has alread challenged Bayern to secure a 10th title in a row.

"We watched the Leipzig game together, the atmosphere was great," said Kahn. "You don't get used to it, it's an incredible achievement.

"Now we can do something next season that no team in the world has ever done: become champions 10 times in a row."

The only blot on a near-perfect night for Bayern was a red card for Tanguy&nbsp;Nianzou for a clumsy tackle 15 minutes from time.

Bayern wasted no time in hitting their stride, Lewandowski finding the bottom corner of the net with just under two minutes gone.

Kingsley Coman struck the post before Jamal Musiala's pass picked out Thomas Mueller to slot in his 11th league goal of the season, then Lewandowski volleyed home his second on 34 minutes.

Kingsley Coman made it 4-0 before the break, then won a penalty which Lewandowski converted in the 66th minute to leave him one goal short of Gerd Mueller's historic mark, before Leroy Sane added a late sixth.

Julian Nagelsmann, the 33-year-old coach who will leave Leipzig to replace Flick at Bayern next season, offered a terse "congratulations on a deserved title" to his future employers.

<h2>- Sancho double -</h2>

Earlier, England winger Jadon Sancho netted twice as Dortmund's win lifted them into the Champions League places, but Eintracht Frankfurt can retake fourth spot if they beat Mainz on Sunday.

Even without injured striker Erling Braut Haaland, Dortmund were 2-0 up early in the second half thanks to goals from Marco Reus and Sancho.

Leipzig fought back through a Lukas Klostermann header and Dani Olmo's equaliser, only for Sancho to grab the winner.

The two clubs meet again on Thursday in the German Cup final at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

"We showed a lot of morale, the game had absolutely nothing to do with the final in Berlin, but of course we want to win on Thursday too," said Reus.

Dortmund hope to have Haaland back from a thigh problem before the final, and even with their top-scorer watching from the stands, the hosts still raced into the lead after less than seven minutes.

Reus span out of Lukasz Piszczek's pass, sprinted behind the defence and took a beautiful back-heeled ball from Thorgan Hazard before sweeping his shot past Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Dortmund goalkeeper Marwin Hitz&nbsp;did not come out for the second half after being injured colliding with his centre-back Manuel Akanji just before the break and was replaced by Roman Buerki.

Dortmund doubled their lead just six minutes after the interval with a superb piece of skill from Sancho, who cut inside after a Raphael Guerreiro pass and fired in off the far post.

The visitors pulled a goal back on 63 minutes when Emil Forsberg floated in a corner and Klostermann steered his header past Buerki.

Leipzig drew level when South Korea striker Hwang Hee-chan broke clear of Dortmund defender Mats Hummels and squared for Olmo who tapped home from close range.

However, Sancho snatched all three points when he flicked the ball to Guerreiro, took a return pass and slotted in to hand Bayern the title.

Bayern Munich already have their eyes on a decade of Bundesliga dominance after winning the league title for the ninth successive season on Saturday, celebrating their success with a 6-0 thrashing of Borussia Moenchengladbach.

Bayern Munich already have their eyes on a decade of Bundesliga dominance after winning the league title for the ninth successive season on Saturday, celebrating their success with a 6-0 thrashing of Borussia Moenchengladbach. Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to leave him on 39 league goals this season -- one short of Gerd Mueller's all-time Bundesliga record -- as the champions swept Gladbach aside at the Allianz Arena. "We wanted to show on the pitch that we are German champions," said Lewandowski, who will "keep stepping on the gas" in chasing Mueller's record. "Today was a great game, we played really well and scored a lot of goals." The emphatic victory leaves Bayern 10 points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig, whose 3-2 loss at Borussia Dortmund sealed Bayern the title, with two games left. The players learned they were champions again while still warming up following Dortmund's victory. "It was a bizarre situation. We were just getting ready, when we realised that we were champions," said Bayern captain Manuel Neuer. Board member Oliver Kahn has alread challenged Bayern to secure a 10th title in a row. "We watched the Leipzig game together, the atmosphere was great," said Kahn. "You don't get used to it, it's an incredible achievement. "Now we can do something next season that no team in the world has ever done: become champions 10 times in a row." The only blot on a near-perfect night for Bayern was a red card for Tanguy Nianzou for a clumsy tackle 15 minutes from time. Bayern wasted no time in hitting their stride, Lewandowski finding the bottom corner of the net with just under two minutes gone. Kingsley Coman struck the post before Jamal Musiala's pass picked out Thomas Mueller to slot in his 11th league goal of the season, then Lewandowski volleyed home his second on 34 minutes. Kingsley Coman made it 4-0 before the break, then won a penalty which Lewandowski converted in the 66th minute to leave him one goal short of Gerd Mueller's historic mark, before Leroy Sane added a late sixth. Julian Nagelsmann, the 33-year-old coach who will leave Leipzig to replace Flick at Bayern next season, offered a terse "congratulations on a deserved title" to his future employers. - Sancho double - Earlier, England winger Jadon Sancho netted twice as Dortmund's win lifted them into the Champions League places, but Eintracht Frankfurt can retake fourth spot if they beat Mainz on Sunday. Even without injured striker Erling Braut Haaland, Dortmund were 2-0 up early in the second half thanks to goals from Marco Reus and Sancho. Leipzig fought back through a Lukas Klostermann header and Dani Olmo's equaliser, only for Sancho to grab the winner. The two clubs meet again on Thursday in the German Cup final at Berlin's Olympic Stadium. "We showed a lot of morale, the game had absolutely nothing to do with the final in Berlin, but of course we want to win on Thursday too," said Reus. Dortmund hope to have Haaland back from a thigh problem before the final, and even with their top-scorer watching from the stands, the hosts still raced into the lead after less than seven minutes. Reus span out of Lukasz Piszczek's pass, sprinted behind the defence and took a beautiful back-heeled ball from Thorgan Hazard before sweeping his shot past Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Dortmund goalkeeper Marwin Hitz did not come out for the second half after being injured colliding with his centre-back Manuel Akanji just before the break and was replaced by Roman Buerki. Dortmund doubled their lead just six minutes after the interval with a superb piece of skill from Sancho, who cut inside after a Raphael Guerreiro pass and fired in off the far post. The visitors pulled a goal back on 63 minutes when Emil Forsberg floated in a corner and Klostermann steered his header past Buerki. Leipzig drew level when South Korea striker Hwang Hee-chan broke clear of Dortmund defender Mats Hummels and squared for Olmo who tapped home from close range. However, Sancho snatched all three points when he flicked the ball to Guerreiro, took a return pass and slotted in to hand Bayern the title.

Bayern eye decade of dominance after ninth straight Bundesliga title

Bayern Munich make their second attempt to wrap up the Bundesliga title on Saturday after Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig clash earlier in a rehearsal for next week's German Cup final.

A 2-1 defeat at relegation-threatened Mainz a fortnight ago cost Bayern the chance to be confirmed Bundesliga champions for the ninth straight season.

With three games left, they can now secure the title at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach late on Saturday.&nbsp;

However, Bayern's seven-point lead at the top could be cut before kick-off as second-placed Leipzig head to Dortmund earlier in the day.

Fifth-placed Dortmund are a point from the Champions League places and want a home win to boost their European ambitions while laying down a marker for next Thursday's domestic final.

"We want three points - and to win the cup five days later," admitted Dortmund captain Marco Reus.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dortmund posted losses of 26.3 million euros ($31.7 million) in the first half of the 2020/21 financial year, which could be eased by the 15.25 million euros each club receives for qualifying for the Champions League's group stages.

The pressure is on both clubs.

Leipzig want a confidence booster before the final and revenge for January's 3-1 home defeat when Erling Braut Haaland netted twice after Jadon Sancho's opening goal for Dortmund.

"It's going to be an interesting 'Dortmund week' for us with two important games," said Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann, who will leave to coach Bayern next season.

Dortmund are set to welcome back top-scorer Haaland, who missed last Saturday's 5-0 trashing of second-tier Holstein Kiel in the cup semi-finals with a thigh injury.

After training again this week, Haaland is hopefully "pain-free and an option", head coach Edin Terzic said Thursday.

Leipzig are missing midfielders Christopher Nkunku and Tyler Adams, who are both suffering from back problems.

Later in Munich, a home win will guarantee Bayern a ninth straight league title as they look to avenge a 3-2 defeat at Moenchengladbach last January.

Thomas Mueller has warned the Bavarians will not repeat the mistakes made in Mainz and are fresh after a two-week break due to last weekend's German Cup semi-finals.

"We got hungry again in the two weeks in which we had no game and had time to recover physically and mentally," said Mueller.

"In the last few years we have never had an easy time against Gladbach, so we know what to expect."

<h2>One to watch: Robert Lewandowski</h2>

Despite missing the previous four weeks out with a knee injury, the Bayern striker netted in the shock defeat at Mainz to leave the FIFA best male player of 2020 on 36 Bundesliga goals this season.

With three games left, Lewandowski is closing in on Gerd Mueller's all-time Bundesliga record of 40 goals in the 1971/72 season.

The 75-year-old Bayern legend is in poor health and suffering from dementia, but Lewandowski recently told magazine Sport Bild he believes "Gerd Mueller would want and understand it, if I take the record".

<h2>Key facts</h2>

5 - Lewandowski's goals in 17 games against Moenchengladbach, his lowest tally against any club currently in the Bundesliga's top seven.

4 - Moenchengladbach wins over Bayern, who have won three of the last seven meetings between the clubs.

1 - Nagelsmann has just a solitary win against Dortmund in ten matches as a coach. His lone victory came three years ago with former club Hoffenheim.

&nbsp;

Fixtures (all 1330GMT unless stated)

Friday

VfB Stuttgart v Augsburg (1830)

Saturday

Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim v Schalke 04, VfL Wolfsburg v Union Berlin, Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich v Borussia Moenchengladbach (1630)

Sunday

Cologne v Freiburg (1130), Eintracht Frankfurt v Mainz, Hertha Berlin v Arminia Bielefeld (1600)

Bayern Munich make their second attempt to wrap up the Bundesliga title on Saturday after Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig clash earlier in a rehearsal for next week's German Cup final.

Bayern Munich make their second attempt to wrap up the Bundesliga title on Saturday after Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig clash earlier in a rehearsal for next week's German Cup final. A 2-1 defeat at relegation-threatened Mainz a fortnight ago cost Bayern the chance to be confirmed Bundesliga champions for the ninth straight season. With three games left, they can now secure the title at home to Borussia Moenchengladbach late on Saturday. However, Bayern's seven-point lead at the top could be cut before kick-off as second-placed Leipzig head to Dortmund earlier in the day. Fifth-placed Dortmund are a point from the Champions League places and want a home win to boost their European ambitions while laying down a marker for next Thursday's domestic final. "We want three points - and to win the cup five days later," admitted Dortmund captain Marco Reus. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dortmund posted losses of 26.3 million euros ($31.7 million) in the first half of the 2020/21 financial year, which could be eased by the 15.25 million euros each club receives for qualifying for the Champions League's group stages. The pressure is on both clubs. Leipzig want a confidence booster before the final and revenge for January's 3-1 home defeat when Erling Braut Haaland netted twice after Jadon Sancho's opening goal for Dortmund. "It's going to be an interesting 'Dortmund week' for us with two important games," said Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann, who will leave to coach Bayern next season. Dortmund are set to welcome back top-scorer Haaland, who missed last Saturday's 5-0 trashing of second-tier Holstein Kiel in the cup semi-finals with a thigh injury. After training again this week, Haaland is hopefully "pain-free and an option", head coach Edin Terzic said Thursday. Leipzig are missing midfielders Christopher Nkunku and Tyler Adams, who are both suffering from back problems. Later in Munich, a home win will guarantee Bayern a ninth straight league title as they look to avenge a 3-2 defeat at Moenchengladbach last January. Thomas Mueller has warned the Bavarians will not repeat the mistakes made in Mainz and are fresh after a two-week break due to last weekend's German Cup semi-finals. "We got hungry again in the two weeks in which we had no game and had time to recover physically and mentally," said Mueller. "In the last few years we have never had an easy time against Gladbach, so we know what to expect." One to watch: Robert Lewandowski Despite missing the previous four weeks out with a knee injury, the Bayern striker netted in the shock defeat at Mainz to leave the FIFA best male player of 2020 on 36 Bundesliga goals this season. With three games left, Lewandowski is closing in on Gerd Mueller's all-time Bundesliga record of 40 goals in the 1971/72 season. The 75-year-old Bayern legend is in poor health and suffering from dementia, but Lewandowski recently told magazine Sport Bild he believes "Gerd Mueller would want and understand it, if I take the record". Key facts 5 - Lewandowski's goals in 17 games against Moenchengladbach, his lowest tally against any club currently in the Bundesliga's top seven. 4 - Moenchengladbach wins over Bayern, who have won three of the last seven meetings between the clubs. 1 - Nagelsmann has just a solitary win against Dortmund in ten matches as a coach. His lone victory came three years ago with former club Hoffenheim. Fixtures (all 1330GMT unless stated) Friday VfB Stuttgart v Augsburg (1830) Saturday Borussia Dortmund v RB Leipzig, Hoffenheim v Schalke 04, VfL Wolfsburg v Union Berlin, Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern Munich v Borussia Moenchengladbach (1630) Sunday Cologne v Freiburg (1130), Eintracht Frankfurt v Mainz, Hertha Berlin v Arminia Bielefeld (1600)

Bayern Munich renew bid to win league as Borussia Dortmund battle RB Leipzig

Julian Nagelsmann will take over as Bayern Munich coach from next season to replace Hansi Flick, the reigning German and European champions announced on Tuesday.

Nagelsmann, 33, will move from RB Leipzig on a five-year contract after Flick, whose relationship with the club's powerful sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has deteriorated, asked to be released from his contract.

"FC Bayern agreed to current head coach Hansi Flick's request to have his contract terminated on 30 June 2021, two years earlier than its original expiry date," the club said in a statement.

Nagelsmann has never hidden his desire to coach Bayern, especially as he comes from the Bavaria region.

Last season, he led Leipzig to the semi-finals of the Champions League and this season his side has replaced Borussia Dortmund as Bayern's main title challengers.

Julian Nagelsmann will take over as Bayern Munich coach from next season to replace Hansi Flick, the reigning German and European champions announced on Tuesday.

Julian Nagelsmann will take over as Bayern Munich coach from next season to replace Hansi Flick, the reigning German and European champions announced on Tuesday. Nagelsmann, 33, will move from RB Leipzig on a five-year contract after Flick, whose relationship with the club's powerful sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has deteriorated, asked to be released from his contract. "FC Bayern agreed to current head coach Hansi Flick's request to have his contract terminated on 30 June 2021, two years earlier than its original expiry date," the club said in a statement. Nagelsmann has never hidden his desire to coach Bayern, especially as he comes from the Bavaria region. Last season, he led Leipzig to the semi-finals of the Champions League and this season his side has replaced Borussia Dortmund as Bayern's main title challengers.

Nagelsmann to coach Bayern Munich from next season

Schalke 04 said Friday they have asked for police protection at training next week after angry fans attacked the team bus following the club's relegation from the Bundesliga.&nbsp;

A large group of furious supporters pelted the team bus with eggs and confronted players on their return to Gelsenkirchen early Wednesday after defeat at Bielefeld saw Schalke relegated after 30 years in Germany's top flight.

The team has won just two of their 30 games this season.

Some players were reportedly followed to their homes and threatened in the wake of Tuesday's loss - their 21st league defeat of 2020/21.

At least one player's car is said to have been badly damaged before police intervened.

Schalke have no game this weekend, but sports director Peter Knaebel has asked for police help when training resumes Monday.

In a statement Friday, Schalke said they have "already initiated measures to ensure the safety and security of the players and staff".

Knaebel also told Bild that he "can live with it" if any player refuses to play their last four remaining games.

The Schalke boss blames himself for not taking steps to protect the team on their return from Bielefeld.

"People were in danger, things got damaged. We were lucky that nothing worse happened to our people," Knaebel told German daily Bild.

"I apologise to the players and staff."

In a statement, the club said it will not tolerate instances where the "health and safety of its employees are threatened or endangered."

"A line was crossed on Wednesday morning, and these events have deeply shaken the club.

"Violence is never justified, neither in sport, nor in society."&nbsp;

Schalke 04 said Friday they have asked for police protection at training next week after angry fans attacked the team bus following the club's relegation from the Bundesliga.

Schalke 04 said Friday they have asked for police protection at training next week after angry fans attacked the team bus following the club's relegation from the Bundesliga. A large group of furious supporters pelted the team bus with eggs and confronted players on their return to Gelsenkirchen early Wednesday after defeat at Bielefeld saw Schalke relegated after 30 years in Germany's top flight. The team has won just two of their 30 games this season. Some players were reportedly followed to their homes and threatened in the wake of Tuesday's loss - their 21st league defeat of 2020/21. At least one player's car is said to have been badly damaged before police intervened. Schalke have no game this weekend, but sports director Peter Knaebel has asked for police help when training resumes Monday. In a statement Friday, Schalke said they have "already initiated measures to ensure the safety and security of the players and staff". Knaebel also told Bild that he "can live with it" if any player refuses to play their last four remaining games. The Schalke boss blames himself for not taking steps to protect the team on their return from Bielefeld. "People were in danger, things got damaged. We were lucky that nothing worse happened to our people," Knaebel told German daily Bild. "I apologise to the players and staff." In a statement, the club said it will not tolerate instances where the "health and safety of its employees are threatened or endangered." "A line was crossed on Wednesday morning, and these events have deeply shaken the club. "Violence is never justified, neither in sport, nor in society."

Relegated Schalke seek police protection from angry fans

Borussia&nbsp;Dortmund's Marco Reus and Raphael Guerreiro scored a goal apiece to beat visitors Union Berlin 2-0 on Wednesday and maintain their outside chances of securing a spot in next season's Champions League.

The hosts were awarded a controversial penalty after Reus went down in the box and although Erling Haaland’s effort was saved, Reus stabbed home the rebound in the 27th minute. Guerreiro finished a quick break to seal the three points for his team.

The&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;captain almost set up a second goal when he sent Giovanni Reyna through but the American's chip sailed wide.

Guerreiro did it better two minutes from the end, finishing a quick break to seal the three points for his team.

Berlin Union, whose keeper Andreas Luthe made a series of fine saves, twice hit the woodwork, including from a superbly-taken Max Kruse free kick in the 66th which diving Dortmund keeper Marwin Hitz palmed on to the post.

Dortmund&nbsp;moved to 52 points, four behind fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, with the top four teams qualifying for next season's Champions League group stage.

VfL Wolfsburg, who face&nbsp;Dortmund&nbsp;on Saturday, tightened their hold on third place with a 3-1 win at VfB Stuttgart that lifted the Wolves to 57 points, one ahead of Eintracht and five clear of&nbsp;Dortmund.

&nbsp;

Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus and Raphael Guerreiro scored a goal apiece to beat visitors Union Berlin 2-0 on Wednesday and maintain their outside chances of securing a spot in next season's Champions League.

Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus and Raphael Guerreiro scored a goal apiece to beat visitors Union Berlin 2-0 on Wednesday and maintain their outside chances of securing a spot in next season's Champions League. The hosts were awarded a controversial penalty after Reus went down in the box and although Erling Haaland’s effort was saved, Reus stabbed home the rebound in the 27th minute. Guerreiro finished a quick break to seal the three points for his team. The Dortmund captain almost set up a second goal when he sent Giovanni Reyna through but the American's chip sailed wide. Guerreiro did it better two minutes from the end, finishing a quick break to seal the three points for his team. Berlin Union, whose keeper Andreas Luthe made a series of fine saves, twice hit the woodwork, including from a superbly-taken Max Kruse free kick in the 66th which diving Dortmund keeper Marwin Hitz palmed on to the post. Dortmund moved to 52 points, four behind fourth-placed Eintracht Frankfurt, with the top four teams qualifying for next season's Champions League group stage. VfL Wolfsburg, who face Dortmund on Saturday, tightened their hold on third place with a 3-1 win at VfB Stuttgart that lifted the Wolves to 57 points, one ahead of Eintracht and five clear of Dortmund.

Borussia Dortmund beat Union to keep Champions League hopes alive

Bundesliga club Bayern Munich were left disappointed after manager Hansi Flick publicly revealed that he is willing to leave the team by the end of the season.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hansi-flick-wants-to-quit-as-bayern-coach-at-end-of-season-378271" hreflang="en">Hansi Flick wants to quit as Bayern coach at end of season</a>

Flick, on Saturday, revealed that he is willing to end his contract with the defending Bundesliga champions.&nbsp;

"I told the team that I informed the club during the week that I want out of my contract at the end of the season," Flick said.

"It was not an easy decision for me.

"It was important that the team heard it from me.

"I want to give my thanks and compliments to the club for giving me the opportunity to coach such a team."

The German club, however, were disappointed with Flick's statements and said that the 56-year-old should not have gone public.&nbsp;

A statement on the club's website: "FC Bayern head coach Hansi Flick made public his wish to terminate his contract, which runs until June 2023, at the end of the current season.

"Hansi Flick had informed the FC Bayern München AG executive board of this wish during the past week. Hansi Flick and FC Bayern had agreed to place the focus on the matches against VfL Wolfsburg, Bayer 04 Leverkusen (20 April) and 1. FSV Mainz 05 (24 April), in order not to disrupt the concentration of the whole club on these three important matches.

"FC Bayern disapproves of the unilateral communications issued by Hansi Flick and will continue talks after the match at Mainz, as agreed."

Bundesliga club Bayern Munich were left disappointed after manager Hansi Flick publicly revealed that he is willing to leave the team by the end of the season. ALSO READ: Hansi Flick wants to quit as Bayern coach at end of season Flick, on Saturday, revealed that he is willing to end his contract with the defending Bundesliga champions.

Bundesliga club Bayern Munich were left disappointed after manager Hansi Flick publicly revealed that he is willing to leave the team by the end of the season. ALSO READ: Hansi Flick wants to quit as Bayern coach at end of season Flick, on Saturday, revealed that he is willing to end his contract with the defending Bundesliga champions. "I told the team that I informed the club during the week that I want out of my contract at the end of the season," Flick said. "It was not an easy decision for me. "It was important that the team heard it from me. "I want to give my thanks and compliments to the club for giving me the opportunity to coach such a team." The German club, however, were disappointed with Flick's statements and said that the 56-year-old should not have gone public. A statement on the club's website: "FC Bayern head coach Hansi Flick made public his wish to terminate his contract, which runs until June 2023, at the end of the current season. "Hansi Flick had informed the FC Bayern München AG executive board of this wish during the past week. Hansi Flick and FC Bayern had agreed to place the focus on the matches against VfL Wolfsburg, Bayer 04 Leverkusen (20 April) and 1. FSV Mainz 05 (24 April), in order not to disrupt the concentration of the whole club on these three important matches. "FC Bayern disapproves of the unilateral communications issued by Hansi Flick and will continue talks after the match at Mainz, as agreed."

Bayern Munich 'disapproves of the unilateral communications issued by Hansi Flick'

Depleted Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday, three days before their Champions League return leg at Paris Saint-Germain.

Teenager Jamal Musiala beat three defenders to give Bayern the lead midway through the second half at the Allianz Arena only for Marcus Ingvartsen to equalise for Union four minutes from time.

"That is very annoying," Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer told Sky. "We played well over long stretches and would have deserved the victory."

In Paris on Tuesday, European champions Bayern need to overturn a 3-2 first-leg defeat in the quarter-finals and started reserve team players Tiago Dantas, on a season-long loan from Benfica, and Josip Stanisic against Union.

The club world champions have nine players sidelined, including injured top-scorer Robert Lewandowski and winger Serge Gnabry, who was quarantined after testing positive for Covid-19.

Musiala showed great footwork to pick his way through the Union defence for the opening goal, only for Ingvartsen to beat Stanisic to the ball and grab the visitors' late equaliser.

Off the field, tensions are brewing between sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and coach Hansi Flick, who has Neuer's backing.

"I think Hansi Flick is the right coach for us," said Neuer.

The draw trims Bayern's lead at the top of the Bundesliga table to five points ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig, who romped to a 4-1 win at Werder Bremen.

Leipzig dominated throughout and raced into a 3-0 lead as Dani Olmo gave them the lead before Alexander Sorloth netted twice.

Although Milot Rashica pulled a goal back for Bremen, Marcel Sabitzer made it 4-1 midway through the second half.

The sides meet again in Bremen on April 30 in the German Cup semi-finals.

Eintracht Frankfurt took another key step towards reaching the Champions League for the first time since 1960 with a thrilling 4-3 home win over Wolfsburg.

Daichi Kamada, Luka Jovic, Andre Silva and Erik Durm all netted for Frankfurt.

Third-placed Wolfsburg pulled goals back through Ridle Baku and Wout Weghorst before Frankfurt's Brazilian defender Tuta turned the ball into his own net for an own goal five minutes from time.

<h2>- Knauff rescues Dortmund -</h2>

The result leaves Frankfurt with a seven-point cushion in fourth after fifth-placed Borussia Dortmund, later earned a dramatic 3-2 win at Stuttgart.

Dortmund need to overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat at home to Manchester City on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Substitute striker Ansgar Knauff came off the bench to score Dortmund's winner on only his third league appearance.

The 19-year-old, who made his Champions League debut in the defeat at City after being promoted from the reserves, dribbled clear following Erling Braut Haaland's pass to score his first Bundesliga goal.

"It's been an unbelievable week with my Champions League debut and first Bundesliga goal," said Knauff. "I hope things keep going so well."

This was Haaland's sixth game without a goal for club or country, but he claimed two assists.

The visitors were 1-0 down at half-time, but after Jude Bellingham equalised, Haaland left the ball for Marco Reus to put Dortmund 2-1 up.

Daniel Didavi fired Stuttgart level before Knauff hit the winner 10 minutes from time as Dortmund avenged their 5-1 thrashing at home by Stuttgart last December.

Borussia Moenchengladbach earned a 2-2 draw at Hertha Berlin despite playing 77 minutes a man down after goalkeeper Yann Sommer was shown an early red card for fouling Jhon Cordoba.

Goals by forwards Alassane Plea and Lars Stindl had put Gladbach in control after Santiago Ascacibar gave Hertha the lead with a superb strike, before Cordoba equalised just after the break.

Depleted Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday, three days before their Champions League return leg at Paris Saint-Germain.

Depleted Bayern Munich were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Union Berlin in the Bundesliga on Saturday, three days before their Champions League return leg at Paris Saint-Germain. Teenager Jamal Musiala beat three defenders to give Bayern the lead midway through the second half at the Allianz Arena only for Marcus Ingvartsen to equalise for Union four minutes from time. "That is very annoying," Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer told Sky. "We played well over long stretches and would have deserved the victory." In Paris on Tuesday, European champions Bayern need to overturn a 3-2 first-leg defeat in the quarter-finals and started reserve team players Tiago Dantas, on a season-long loan from Benfica, and Josip Stanisic against Union. The club world champions have nine players sidelined, including injured top-scorer Robert Lewandowski and winger Serge Gnabry, who was quarantined after testing positive for Covid-19. Musiala showed great footwork to pick his way through the Union defence for the opening goal, only for Ingvartsen to beat Stanisic to the ball and grab the visitors' late equaliser. Off the field, tensions are brewing between sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and coach Hansi Flick, who has Neuer's backing. "I think Hansi Flick is the right coach for us," said Neuer. The draw trims Bayern's lead at the top of the Bundesliga table to five points ahead of second-placed RB Leipzig, who romped to a 4-1 win at Werder Bremen. Leipzig dominated throughout and raced into a 3-0 lead as Dani Olmo gave them the lead before Alexander Sorloth netted twice. Although Milot Rashica pulled a goal back for Bremen, Marcel Sabitzer made it 4-1 midway through the second half. The sides meet again in Bremen on April 30 in the German Cup semi-finals. Eintracht Frankfurt took another key step towards reaching the Champions League for the first time since 1960 with a thrilling 4-3 home win over Wolfsburg. Daichi Kamada, Luka Jovic, Andre Silva and Erik Durm all netted for Frankfurt. Third-placed Wolfsburg pulled goals back through Ridle Baku and Wout Weghorst before Frankfurt's Brazilian defender Tuta turned the ball into his own net for an own goal five minutes from time. - Knauff rescues Dortmund - The result leaves Frankfurt with a seven-point cushion in fourth after fifth-placed Borussia Dortmund, later earned a dramatic 3-2 win at Stuttgart. Dortmund need to overturn a 2-1 first leg defeat at home to Manchester City on Wednesday in the Champions League. Substitute striker Ansgar Knauff came off the bench to score Dortmund's winner on only his third league appearance. The 19-year-old, who made his Champions League debut in the defeat at City after being promoted from the reserves, dribbled clear following Erling Braut Haaland's pass to score his first Bundesliga goal. "It's been an unbelievable week with my Champions League debut and first Bundesliga goal," said Knauff. "I hope things keep going so well." This was Haaland's sixth game without a goal for club or country, but he claimed two assists. The visitors were 1-0 down at half-time, but after Jude Bellingham equalised, Haaland left the ball for Marco Reus to put Dortmund 2-1 up. Daniel Didavi fired Stuttgart level before Knauff hit the winner 10 minutes from time as Dortmund avenged their 5-1 thrashing at home by Stuttgart last December. Borussia Moenchengladbach earned a 2-2 draw at Hertha Berlin despite playing 77 minutes a man down after goalkeeper Yann Sommer was shown an early red card for fouling Jhon Cordoba. Goals by forwards Alassane Plea and Lars Stindl had put Gladbach in control after Santiago Ascacibar gave Hertha the lead with a superb strike, before Cordoba equalised just after the break.

Injury-hit Bayern Munich held ahead of PSG clash

German club Borussia Monchengladbach are set to name Xabi Alonso as their new manager, as per Bild's report.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/important-for-players-other-than-leo-to-score-goals-says-ronald-koeman-372245" hreflang="en">'Important for players other than Leo to score goals', says Ronald Koeman</a>

The club's current manager, Marco Rose, is heading to Borussia Dortmund this summers. The Spanish football legend is currently managing Real Sociedad's second team, which are currently leaders in the Spanish third division. He has been in the role since 2017.&nbsp;

Alonso, who played for several big clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, is well aware of the play in Bundesliga. He stayed with Bayern between 2014 and 2017.&nbsp;

Xabi Alonso is one of the most celebrated players in the world of football. The Spaniard was German champion three times with Bayern and won the Champions League with Liverpool and Real Madrid. He also celebrated a World Cup and two European Championship titles with his national team.

Alonso began his professional career in 2000 and retired in 2017. &nbsp;

German club Borussia Monchengladbach are set to name Xabi Alonso as their new manager, as per Bild's report. ALSO READ: 'Important for players other than Leo to score goals', says Ronald Koeman The club's current manager, Marco Rose, is heading to Borussia Dortmund this summers.

German club Borussia Monchengladbach are set to name Xabi Alonso as their new manager, as per Bild's report. ALSO READ: 'Important for players other than Leo to score goals', says Ronald Koeman The club's current manager, Marco Rose, is heading to Borussia Dortmund this summers. The Spanish football legend is currently managing Real Sociedad's second team, which are currently leaders in the Spanish third division. He has been in the role since 2017. Alonso, who played for several big clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, is well aware of the play in Bundesliga. He stayed with Bayern between 2014 and 2017. Xabi Alonso is one of the most celebrated players in the world of football. The Spaniard was German champion three times with Bayern and won the Champions League with Liverpool and Real Madrid. He also celebrated a World Cup and two European Championship titles with his national team. Alonso began his professional career in 2000 and retired in 2017.

Xabi Alonso to be named the new manager of Borussia Monchengladbach: Reports

After a year of games behind closed doors, Bundesliga clubs are contemplating losses of a "billion euros" as players and coaches wonder when Germany's football grounds will be full again in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

"They feel like training games at times," Freiburg striker Nils Petersen has said of matches behind closed doors.

Borussia Moenchengladbach's 2-1 win over Cologne on March 11, 2020, was the first ever Bundesliga game played without spectators.

Two days later, all Bundesliga matches stopped as Germany went into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

After a two-and-a-half month hiatus, the league resumed in May with the last nine rounds of matches void of fans so the 2019/20 season could be finished.

Since then, the stadiums in Germany's top flight have largely remained empty.

A few thousand supporters were allowed into 33 games in certain grounds for matches at the start of this season, but Germany's second wave of coronavirus put paid to that.

Bundesliga matches have been played behind closed doors since November when Germany went into a second lockdown, which is still in place.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Just the beginning' -</h2>

The 36 clubs in Germany's top two leagues are counting the financial cost of lost matchday revenue with their combined turnover plummeting by 300 million euros ($358 million) in 2019/20 compared to the previous season.

"And this is just the beginning," warned Christian Seifert, the CEO of the German Football League (DFL), on Tuesday.

With no end to the current lockdown in sight, Germany's top clubs are forecast to lose a billion euros this season compared to figures before the crisis.

"It's no longer the same job as it was before the pandemic," said Werder's coach Florian Kohfeldt.&nbsp;

"I can't get used to it and I don't want to get used to it," he said of games without fans - dubbed 'Geisterspiele' (ghost games) in German.

"What makes you so enjoy doing your job is totally missing: the emotions in the stadium.

"It's like going to work in a normal job without these extraordinary moments."

Rising stars who made their Bundesliga debuts in the last 12 months, like Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, 16, and Schalke forward Matthew Hoppe, 19, have never experienced the atmosphere of playing in a packed stadium.

"Our sport has become colder. More objective," said Union Berlin goalkeeper Andreas Luthe.

<h2>- 'Privileged position' -</h2>

However, German football enjoys the privileged position of being able to continue when the lockdown has forced many business to close.

"You couldn't imagine what this pandemic would do to many people and companies," Augsburg coach Heiko Herrlich told magazine Kicker.

"We are in a privileged position in football because we are allowed to practice our profession. Many others cannot do that."

Champions Bayern Munich have not played in front of fans at the Allianz Arena since March 8, 2020.

The lack of noise from supporters means every word can be heard on the pitch -- and from the opposing bench.

"That's not always nice," says Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who admits sometimes finding it "a very big challenge" not to react to heckling from the opposition's bench.

There has also been an impact on the pitch.

Without home fans cheering their team on, the host club has won only a third of Bundesliga matches over the last year,&nbsp;according to a study by magazine Kicker.

In the preceeding 12 months up to March 2020, just under half of matches were won by the home team.

"Our work has changed", said Kohfeldt.

"Whether you play away or at home, it has neutralised itself to a certain extent."

However, the lack of passionate fans also seems to have calmed players' tempers.

Half as many red cards were dished out over the last year compared to the same period in the preceding 12 months.

After a year of games behind closed doors, Bundesliga clubs are contemplating losses of a "billion euros" as players and coaches wonder when Germany's football grounds will be full again in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

After a year of games behind closed doors, Bundesliga clubs are contemplating losses of a "billion euros" as players and coaches wonder when Germany's football grounds will be full again in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis. "They feel like training games at times," Freiburg striker Nils Petersen has said of matches behind closed doors. Borussia Moenchengladbach's 2-1 win over Cologne on March 11, 2020, was the first ever Bundesliga game played without spectators. Two days later, all Bundesliga matches stopped as Germany went into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. After a two-and-a-half month hiatus, the league resumed in May with the last nine rounds of matches void of fans so the 2019/20 season could be finished. Since then, the stadiums in Germany's top flight have largely remained empty. A few thousand supporters were allowed into 33 games in certain grounds for matches at the start of this season, but Germany's second wave of coronavirus put paid to that. Bundesliga matches have been played behind closed doors since November when Germany went into a second lockdown, which is still in place. - 'Just the beginning' - The 36 clubs in Germany's top two leagues are counting the financial cost of lost matchday revenue with their combined turnover plummeting by 300 million euros ($358 million) in 2019/20 compared to the previous season. "And this is just the beginning," warned Christian Seifert, the CEO of the German Football League (DFL), on Tuesday. With no end to the current lockdown in sight, Germany's top clubs are forecast to lose a billion euros this season compared to figures before the crisis. "It's no longer the same job as it was before the pandemic," said Werder's coach Florian Kohfeldt. "I can't get used to it and I don't want to get used to it," he said of games without fans - dubbed 'Geisterspiele' (ghost games) in German. "What makes you so enjoy doing your job is totally missing: the emotions in the stadium. "It's like going to work in a normal job without these extraordinary moments." Rising stars who made their Bundesliga debuts in the last 12 months, like Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko, 16, and Schalke forward Matthew Hoppe, 19, have never experienced the atmosphere of playing in a packed stadium. "Our sport has become colder. More objective," said Union Berlin goalkeeper Andreas Luthe. - 'Privileged position' - However, German football enjoys the privileged position of being able to continue when the lockdown has forced many business to close. "You couldn't imagine what this pandemic would do to many people and companies," Augsburg coach Heiko Herrlich told magazine Kicker. "We are in a privileged position in football because we are allowed to practice our profession. Many others cannot do that." Champions Bayern Munich have not played in front of fans at the Allianz Arena since March 8, 2020. The lack of noise from supporters means every word can be heard on the pitch -- and from the opposing bench. "That's not always nice," says Bayern coach Hansi Flick, who admits sometimes finding it "a very big challenge" not to react to heckling from the opposition's bench. There has also been an impact on the pitch. Without home fans cheering their team on, the host club has won only a third of Bundesliga matches over the last year, according to a study by magazine Kicker. In the preceeding 12 months up to March 2020, just under half of matches were won by the home team. "Our work has changed", said Kohfeldt. "Whether you play away or at home, it has neutralised itself to a certain extent." However, the lack of passionate fans also seems to have calmed players' tempers. Half as many red cards were dished out over the last year compared to the same period in the preceding 12 months.

Billion-euro nightmare as German football counts cost of year behind closed doors

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to leave him on 31 Bundesliga goals this season and seal Bayern Munich's 4-2 comeback home win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in Germany's 'Klassiker'.

Dortmund raced into a 2-0 lead as Erling Braut Haaland netted twice in the first nine minutes behind closed doors at the Allianz Arena.

However Lewandowksi then struck twice, the second from the penalty spot, to haul Bayern level before the break.

Leon Goretzka put Bayern ahead for the first time with two minutes left before Lewandowski completed his hat-trick on 90 minutes.

"The quality is certainly there, that's our DNA," said Thomas Mueller of Bayern's fightback.

The win leaves Bayern two points clear of RB Leipzig at the top of the table.

"We shook ourselves up at 2-0 down and deserved to win because we were the dominant team for (the last) 60 minutes," said Bayern coach Hansi Flick.

Bayern have won the last five meetings between the clubs.

<h2>- 'Not good enough' -</h2>

"We weren't good enough. We started well, but didn't play good enough football. We should have been more brave," said Dortmund midfielder Emre Can.

The match delivered on its billing as the battle of the Bundesliga's star strikers.

Haaland scored with just two minutes gone when his shot clipped the heel of Jerome Boateng.

Bayern were reeling after nine minutes when Thorgan Hazard flicked the ball back inside for Haaland to again smash the ball home.

Dortmund could have been 3-0 up on 25 minutes but Thomas Meunier squandered the chance to shoot.

A minute later, Bayern pulled a goal back when Leroy Sane squared the ball for Lewandowski to score.

Bayern went into the break level when Mahmoud Dahoud brought down Kingsley Coman in the area and Lewandowski converted the penalty.

After a frantic first-half, the tempo dropped in the second as both teams suffered key injuries.&nbsp;

"We started great and ended very badly," admitted Dortmund coach Edin Terzic.

Haaland came off after an hour gone with a cut on the back of his ankle.

With ten minutes left, Boateng had to be helped off in clear discomfort after twisting his knee.

Dortmund were left fuming for what captain Marco Reus claimed was a clear foul on Can late on.

"It was a clear foul - if that had been against Bayern, it would have been given," fumed Marco Reus.

Bayern settled the matter when Goretzka pinged his shot in off the post before Lewandowski completed his hat-trick with an outstanding low drive.

With ten games left, Lewandowski threatens to break Gerd Mueller's all-time record of 40 Bundesliga goals in the 1971/72 season.

<h2>- Leipzig romp -</h2>

Earlier RB Leipzig briefly climbed top of the table with a 3-0 romp at Freiburg thanks to goals by Christopher Nkunku, Alexander Sorloth and Emil Forsberg.&nbsp;

Leipzig impressed in their final tune-up before facing Liverpool in Budapest next Wednesday in the last 16 of the Champions League having lost the first leg 2-0.

Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann said goal-scoring left-back Angelino will "probably" miss the Liverpool game with a leg injury. &nbsp;

Third-placed Wolfsburg are now ten points adrift of Bayern having stumbled to a 2-1 defeat at mid-table Hoffenheim whose striker Andrej Kramaric scored the winning goal just before half-time.

Eintracht Frankfurt stay fourth after Filip Kostic equalised for the home team in a 1-1 draw against Stuttgart.&nbsp;

A late goal by Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick sealed their 1-0 win at Moenchengladbach, who drop to 10th as their miserable run continues.

Gladbach have now lost all fives games since it was announced head coach Marco Rose will take charge of Dortmund next season.

The away win eases the pressure on Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz. His fifth-placed side had failed to win any of their five previous games in all competitions.&nbsp;

Dodi Lukebakio converted a late penalty to seal Hertha Berlin's 2-1 home win over Augsburg.

It was Hertha's first victory in 10 games which pulled them up to 14th and away from the relegation fight.

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to leave him on 31 Bundesliga goals this season and seal Bayern Munich's 4-2 comeback home win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in Germany's 'Klassiker'.

Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick to leave him on 31 Bundesliga goals this season and seal Bayern Munich's 4-2 comeback home win over Borussia Dortmund on Saturday in Germany's 'Klassiker'. Dortmund raced into a 2-0 lead as Erling Braut Haaland netted twice in the first nine minutes behind closed doors at the Allianz Arena. However Lewandowksi then struck twice, the second from the penalty spot, to haul Bayern level before the break. Leon Goretzka put Bayern ahead for the first time with two minutes left before Lewandowski completed his hat-trick on 90 minutes. "The quality is certainly there, that's our DNA," said Thomas Mueller of Bayern's fightback. The win leaves Bayern two points clear of RB Leipzig at the top of the table. "We shook ourselves up at 2-0 down and deserved to win because we were the dominant team for (the last) 60 minutes," said Bayern coach Hansi Flick. Bayern have won the last five meetings between the clubs. - 'Not good enough' - "We weren't good enough. We started well, but didn't play good enough football. We should have been more brave," said Dortmund midfielder Emre Can. The match delivered on its billing as the battle of the Bundesliga's star strikers. Haaland scored with just two minutes gone when his shot clipped the heel of Jerome Boateng. Bayern were reeling after nine minutes when Thorgan Hazard flicked the ball back inside for Haaland to again smash the ball home. Dortmund could have been 3-0 up on 25 minutes but Thomas Meunier squandered the chance to shoot. A minute later, Bayern pulled a goal back when Leroy Sane squared the ball for Lewandowski to score. Bayern went into the break level when Mahmoud Dahoud brought down Kingsley Coman in the area and Lewandowski converted the penalty. After a frantic first-half, the tempo dropped in the second as both teams suffered key injuries. "We started great and ended very badly," admitted Dortmund coach Edin Terzic. Haaland came off after an hour gone with a cut on the back of his ankle. With ten minutes left, Boateng had to be helped off in clear discomfort after twisting his knee. Dortmund were left fuming for what captain Marco Reus claimed was a clear foul on Can late on. "It was a clear foul - if that had been against Bayern, it would have been given," fumed Marco Reus. Bayern settled the matter when Goretzka pinged his shot in off the post before Lewandowski completed his hat-trick with an outstanding low drive. With ten games left, Lewandowski threatens to break Gerd Mueller's all-time record of 40 Bundesliga goals in the 1971/72 season. - Leipzig romp - Earlier RB Leipzig briefly climbed top of the table with a 3-0 romp at Freiburg thanks to goals by Christopher Nkunku, Alexander Sorloth and Emil Forsberg. Leipzig impressed in their final tune-up before facing Liverpool in Budapest next Wednesday in the last 16 of the Champions League having lost the first leg 2-0. Leipzig coach Julian Nagelsmann said goal-scoring left-back Angelino will "probably" miss the Liverpool game with a leg injury. Third-placed Wolfsburg are now ten points adrift of Bayern having stumbled to a 2-1 defeat at mid-table Hoffenheim whose striker Andrej Kramaric scored the winning goal just before half-time. Eintracht Frankfurt stay fourth after Filip Kostic equalised for the home team in a 1-1 draw against Stuttgart. A late goal by Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick sealed their 1-0 win at Moenchengladbach, who drop to 10th as their miserable run continues. Gladbach have now lost all fives games since it was announced head coach Marco Rose will take charge of Dortmund next season. The away win eases the pressure on Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz. His fifth-placed side had failed to win any of their five previous games in all competitions. Dodi Lukebakio converted a late penalty to seal Hertha Berlin's 2-1 home win over Augsburg. It was Hertha's first victory in 10 games which pulled them up to 14th and away from the relegation fight.

Lewandowski hat-trick tops Haaland double as Bayern beat Dortmund

Bundesliga club FC Schalke on Sunday sacked almost their complete sporting leadership group, including head coach Christian Gross, following an alleged player revolt after the German club's 16th&nbsp;league defeat took their season deeper into crisis.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The decision had become unavoidable after results against Dortmund and Stuttgart," said Schalke chairman Jens Buchta in a statement following Schalke's 5-1 loss to Stuttgart on Saturday, a week after a defeat&nbsp;to arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The team now owe it to the club and the fans to be as successful as possible in the last third of the season."&nbsp;

&nbsp;Head coach Gross, sporting&nbsp;director Jochen Schneider and team&nbsp;co-ordinator&nbsp;Sascha Riether were all sacked from their respective roles in Sunday's mass clear out of FC Schalke. Gross’ assistant Rainer Widmayer and fitness coach Were&nbsp;Leuthard&nbsp;were also fired from their roles&nbsp;with the move coming with one-time giants Schalke lying bottom of the Bundesliga standings and nine points clear of safety after winning just one of their 23 league matches in the ongoing 2020-21 season.&nbsp;

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Schalke are now heading towards their first-ever relegation since 1988. Notably, they were playing Champions League football two seasons ago – making their dip even more shocking.&nbsp;

Gross took over Schalke just two months ago, taking over from interim coach Huub Stevens to&nbsp;become&nbsp;the club's fourth coach of the season.&nbsp;

While Gross won his second game in charge – defying a record-equalling&nbsp;54-year-old Bundesliga record of 31 matches without a win. However, he couldn't stop the downward spiral.&nbsp;

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Reports of player revolt against Gross came to light in the German media last week.&nbsp;Team&nbsp;co-ordinator&nbsp;Reither played down the speculations,&nbsp;saying it was "normal that players are disappointed"&nbsp;&nbsp;

However, both Gross and Reither were relieved of their duties on Sunday.&nbsp;The club has already begun to rebuild for the second division, handing over squad planning duties to loan director Mike&nbsp;Bueskens&nbsp;and youth director Peter Knaebel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A replacement for Gross as head coach is yet to be announced.&nbsp;

Bundesliga club FC Schalke on Sunday sacked almost their complete sporting leadership group, including head coach Christian Gross, following an alleged player revolt after the German club's 16th league defeat took their season deeper into crisis.

Bundesliga club FC Schalke on Sunday sacked almost their complete sporting leadership group, including head coach Christian Gross, following an alleged player revolt after the German club's 16th league defeat took their season deeper into crisis. "The decision had become unavoidable after results against Dortmund and Stuttgart," said Schalke chairman Jens Buchta in a statement following Schalke's 5-1 loss to Stuttgart on Saturday, a week after a defeat to arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund. "The team now owe it to the club and the fans to be as successful as possible in the last third of the season." Head coach Gross, sporting director Jochen Schneider and team co-ordinator Sascha Riether were all sacked from their respective roles in Sunday's mass clear out of FC Schalke. Gross’ assistant Rainer Widmayer and fitness coach Were Leuthard were also fired from their roles with the move coming with one-time giants Schalke lying bottom of the Bundesliga standings and nine points clear of safety after winning just one of their 23 league matches in the ongoing 2020-21 season. ALSO READ: Table tennis sensation Anna Hursey, 14, set to help US President Joe Biden fight climate crisis Schalke are now heading towards their first-ever relegation since 1988. Notably, they were playing Champions League football two seasons ago – making their dip even more shocking. Gross took over Schalke just two months ago, taking over from interim coach Huub Stevens to become the club's fourth coach of the season. While Gross won his second game in charge – defying a record-equalling 54-year-old Bundesliga record of 31 matches without a win. However, he couldn't stop the downward spiral. ALSO READ: Man City stride clear, Brighton pay the penalty amid refereeing chaos Reports of player revolt against Gross came to light in the German media last week. Team co-ordinator Reither played down the speculations, saying it was "normal that players are disappointed" However, both Gross and Reither were relieved of their duties on Sunday. The club has already begun to rebuild for the second division, handing over squad planning duties to loan director Mike Bueskens and youth director Peter Knaebel. A replacement for Gross as head coach is yet to be announced.

Relegation-bound FC Schalke 04 sack coach Gross in major clear out

Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry both scored twice as Bayern Munich romped to a 5-1 win at home to Cologne on Saturday to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting headed Bayern into an early lead before Lewandowski, the league's top scorer, struck twice to increase his league tally for the season to 28 goals.

Gnabry came off the bench to claim two late goals at the Allianz Arena on his first appearance since tearing his thigh a fortnight ago in Bayern's Club World Cup final win in Qatar.

The result sees Bayern bounce back in the Bundesliga after taking just a point from their previous two league games.

However, second-placed RB Leipzig can trim Bayern's lead when they host Borussia Moenchengladbach later on Saturday.

Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry both scored twice as Bayern Munich romped to a 5-1 win at home to Cologne on Saturday to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.

Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry both scored twice as Bayern Munich romped to a 5-1 win at home to Cologne on Saturday to open up a five-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting headed Bayern into an early lead before Lewandowski, the league's top scorer, struck twice to increase his league tally for the season to 28 goals. Gnabry came off the bench to claim two late goals at the Allianz Arena on his first appearance since tearing his thigh a fortnight ago in Bayern's Club World Cup final win in Qatar. The result sees Bayern bounce back in the Bundesliga after taking just a point from their previous two league games. However, second-placed RB Leipzig can trim Bayern's lead when they host Borussia Moenchengladbach later on Saturday.

Lewandowski, Gnabry net twice as Bayern Munich go five points clear

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer set a new Bundesliga record with the 197th clean sheet of his career in the German top flight as the league leaders thrashed Schalke on Sunday.

The 34-year-old, voted FIFA's best goalkeeper of 2020, bettered the previous record set by former Bayern and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.

Kahn needed 557 Bundesliga matches, for Bayern and Karlsruher, to reach the old mark, which current Germany 'keeper Neuer has usurped after 423 league games for the Bavarians and former club Schalke.

On Sunday, Neuer pulled off saves to deny Mark Uth and Suat Serdar in Gelsenkirchen.

Neuer said he hopes Schalke avoid relegation having come through their academy before joining Bayern in 2011.&nbsp;

"I hope Schalke stay in the league and manage to turn the tide," Neuer told Sky, after brushing off questions about his record.

"They had one or two chances and we didn't defend as well as we could have done."

The 4-0 victory, which saw Thomas Mueller score twice, sent Bayern seven points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig in the table.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer set a new Bundesliga record with the 197th clean sheet of his career in the German top flight as the league leaders thrashed Schalke on Sunday.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer set a new Bundesliga record with the 197th clean sheet of his career in the German top flight as the league leaders thrashed Schalke on Sunday. The 34-year-old, voted FIFA's best goalkeeper of 2020, bettered the previous record set by former Bayern and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn. Kahn needed 557 Bundesliga matches, for Bayern and Karlsruher, to reach the old mark, which current Germany 'keeper Neuer has usurped after 423 league games for the Bavarians and former club Schalke. On Sunday, Neuer pulled off saves to deny Mark Uth and Suat Serdar in Gelsenkirchen. Neuer said he hopes Schalke avoid relegation having come through their academy before joining Bayern in 2011. "I hope Schalke stay in the league and manage to turn the tide," Neuer told Sky, after brushing off questions about his record. "They had one or two chances and we didn't defend as well as we could have done." The 4-0 victory, which saw Thomas Mueller score twice, sent Bayern seven points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig in the table.

Neuer sets new Bundesliga record for most clean sheets

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland is expected to make an eagerly awaited return from injury as his side look to battle back into the Bundesliga top four with a win over high-fliers Wolfsburg on Sunday.&nbsp;

The prolific Norwegian prodigy has missed the last four league games and the last seven in all competitions after picking up a hamstring injury in early December.&nbsp;

Yet the 20-year-old returned to team training this week, and Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc confirmed that he would be back in action this weekend.

"Erling’s recovery has gone well. We are working on the assumption that he can play against Wolfsburg," said Zorc.

Haaland’s return is timely, with his side in desperate need of a win after a miserable run of form before Christmas saw them drop to fifth in the table, eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich and two behind Sunday's opponents Wolfsburg.

Dortmund sacked coach Lucien Favre after they were thrashed by promoted side Stuttgart in mid-December, before suffering a shock away defeat to minnows Union Berlin in their second game under caretaker boss Edin Terzic.&nbsp;

Defeat to Wolfsburg would see Dortmund lose four home league games in a row for the first time in 20 years.

"The most important thing is that we start well and end well," said Haaland, who has scored 17 goals in 14 games in all competitions this season.

In a season squashed by the coronavirus pandemic, many Bundesliga clubs have had just a week off in the shortest winter break in the league’s history.&nbsp;

Yet after their pre-Christmas cup tie was postponed until January, champions Bayern have had an extra week to recover and are expected to waltz past struggling Mainz on Sunday and defend their two-point lead at the top of the table.&nbsp;

Second from bottom and without a win in six games, Mainz parted ways with both their coach and sporting director over Christmas. Huddersfield boss Jan Siewert will take the reins as interim coach against Bayern.&nbsp;

There has also been a changing of the guard at bottom club Schalke, where new coach Christian Gross will take charge of his first game away to Hertha Berlin on Saturday.

Former Tottenham and Stuttgart coach Gross has been charged with leading Schalke out of danger and ending their miserable winless streak of 29 games.

Having not won since last January, the seven-time German champions are now just two games away from equalling Tasmania Berlin’s unwanted record of 31 games without a win, set back in 1966.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<h2>One to watch: Manuel Neuer</h2>

Fresh from his coronation as the world’s best goalkeeper, the Bayern stopper is just one game away from equalling Oliver Kahn’s club record of 196 Bundesliga clean sheets, a milestone he has been chasing in vain for more than two months.&nbsp;

If he fails again to reach Kahn’s mark against Mainz, Neuer will have gone nine league games without a clean sheet for only the second time in his Bayern career.&nbsp;

<h2>Key stats</h2>

150 - RB Leipzig will celebrate their 150th Bundesliga game when they take on Stuttgart on Saturday. They have won 80 of them so far, more than any other German club at the same milestone.&nbsp;

50 - Weeks since Schalke’s last Bundesliga win in January last year. The league’s bottom club are just two games away from equalling Tasmania Berlin’s unwanted record of 31 games without a win.&nbsp;

10 - Goals Erling Braut Haaland has scored in his eight league games for Borussia Dortmund this season. The Norwegian is set to make his first appearance in a month against Wolfsburg.&nbsp;

Fixtures (all times 1430 GMT unless stated)

Saturday

Werder Bremen v Union Berlin, Arminia Bielefeld v Borussia Moenchengladbach, Cologne v Augsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Freiburg, Hertha Berlin v Schalke (1730), Stuttgart v RB Leipzig (1930)

&nbsp;

Sunday

Borussia Dortmund v Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich v Mainz (1700)

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland is expected to make an eagerly awaited return from injury as his side look to battle back into the Bundesliga top four with a win over high-fliers Wolfsburg on Sunday.

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Braut Haaland is expected to make an eagerly awaited return from injury as his side look to battle back into the Bundesliga top four with a win over high-fliers Wolfsburg on Sunday. The prolific Norwegian prodigy has missed the last four league games and the last seven in all competitions after picking up a hamstring injury in early December. Yet the 20-year-old returned to team training this week, and Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc confirmed that he would be back in action this weekend. "Erling’s recovery has gone well. We are working on the assumption that he can play against Wolfsburg," said Zorc. Haaland’s return is timely, with his side in desperate need of a win after a miserable run of form before Christmas saw them drop to fifth in the table, eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich and two behind Sunday's opponents Wolfsburg. Dortmund sacked coach Lucien Favre after they were thrashed by promoted side Stuttgart in mid-December, before suffering a shock away defeat to minnows Union Berlin in their second game under caretaker boss Edin Terzic. Defeat to Wolfsburg would see Dortmund lose four home league games in a row for the first time in 20 years. "The most important thing is that we start well and end well," said Haaland, who has scored 17 goals in 14 games in all competitions this season. In a season squashed by the coronavirus pandemic, many Bundesliga clubs have had just a week off in the shortest winter break in the league’s history. Yet after their pre-Christmas cup tie was postponed until January, champions Bayern have had an extra week to recover and are expected to waltz past struggling Mainz on Sunday and defend their two-point lead at the top of the table. Second from bottom and without a win in six games, Mainz parted ways with both their coach and sporting director over Christmas. Huddersfield boss Jan Siewert will take the reins as interim coach against Bayern. There has also been a changing of the guard at bottom club Schalke, where new coach Christian Gross will take charge of his first game away to Hertha Berlin on Saturday. Former Tottenham and Stuttgart coach Gross has been charged with leading Schalke out of danger and ending their miserable winless streak of 29 games. Having not won since last January, the seven-time German champions are now just two games away from equalling Tasmania Berlin’s unwanted record of 31 games without a win, set back in 1966. One to watch: Manuel Neuer Fresh from his coronation as the world’s best goalkeeper, the Bayern stopper is just one game away from equalling Oliver Kahn’s club record of 196 Bundesliga clean sheets, a milestone he has been chasing in vain for more than two months. If he fails again to reach Kahn’s mark against Mainz, Neuer will have gone nine league games without a clean sheet for only the second time in his Bayern career. Key stats 150 - RB Leipzig will celebrate their 150th Bundesliga game when they take on Stuttgart on Saturday. They have won 80 of them so far, more than any other German club at the same milestone. 50 - Weeks since Schalke’s last Bundesliga win in January last year. The league’s bottom club are just two games away from equalling Tasmania Berlin’s unwanted record of 31 games without a win. 10 - Goals Erling Braut Haaland has scored in his eight league games for Borussia Dortmund this season. The Norwegian is set to make his first appearance in a month against Wolfsburg. Fixtures (all times 1430 GMT unless stated) Saturday Werder Bremen v Union Berlin, Arminia Bielefeld v Borussia Moenchengladbach, Cologne v Augsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Freiburg, Hertha Berlin v Schalke (1730), Stuttgart v RB Leipzig (1930) Sunday Borussia Dortmund v Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich v Mainz (1700)

Haaland back in action as Bundesliga returns from mini-break

European countries have witnessed a rise in COVID-19 cases recently and it looks like Bundesliga club Hoffenheim have been struck by the deadline virus as the German club on Thursday confirmed an eighth case of the dreaded virus with the squad already quarantined. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Training for Hoffenheim has been suspended after the entire squad was quarantined on Wednesday.

Hoffenheim are scheduled to play Stuttgart in their next Bundesliga match on November 21 following the completion of the international break.

Defender Kevin Vogt was the latest player test positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday after the likes of Sebastian Rudy, Ishak Belfodil and a staff member tested positive on Wednesday morning. The current development within the Hoffenheim squad has sparked concerns among the Bundesliga rivals with Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge saying that clubs must ensure they "improve and adapt their hygiene concepts to ensure that matches can continue to be played".

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Thus far, no Bundesliga match has been cancelled due to a high number of COVID-19 cases at a club as DFL rules state a club must play providing it has 15 fit players.

Werder Bremen’s former German midfielder Clemens Fritz termed Hoffenheim’s cases as “tragic”.

"Hoffenheim is in close communication with the players who are currently still with their national teams, as well as with the health authorities," said sports director Alexander Rosen.ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-injury-worry-grows-as-joe-gomez-suffers-serious-knee-injury-342659" hreflang="en">Liverpool's injury worry grows as Joe Gomez suffers serious knee injury</a>

Earlier on Tuesday, Hoffenheim confirmed two cases when Denmark’s Robert Skov and Israel’s Munas Dabbur tested positive for the virus while on national duty.&nbsp;

Denmark winger Jacob Bruun Larsen and a member of staff were isolated at the weekend after testing positive.

As a precaution, goalkeeper Oliver Baumann and left-back Ryan Sessegnon were both sent home from the senior Germany and England Under-21 squads respectively despite negative tests.

Hoffenheim stunned European champions Bayern 4-1 in September but have taken just seven points from seven matches.

(With AFP inputs) 
&nbsp;

European countries have witnessed a rise in COVID-19 cases recently and it looks like Bundesliga club Hoffenheim have been struck by the deadline virus as the German club on Thursday confirmed an eighth case of the dreaded virus with the squad already quarantined.

European countries have witnessed a rise in COVID-19 cases recently and it looks like Bundesliga club Hoffenheim have been struck by the deadline virus as the German club on Thursday confirmed an eighth case of the dreaded virus with the squad already quarantined. Training for Hoffenheim has been suspended after the entire squad was quarantined on Wednesday. Hoffenheim are scheduled to play Stuttgart in their next Bundesliga match on November 21 following the completion of the international break. Defender Kevin Vogt was the latest player test positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday after the likes of Sebastian Rudy, Ishak Belfodil and a staff member tested positive on Wednesday morning. The current development within the Hoffenheim squad has sparked concerns among the Bundesliga rivals with Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge saying that clubs must ensure they "improve and adapt their hygiene concepts to ensure that matches can continue to be played". ALSO READ: Cristiano Ronaldo to sign for Manchester United? Portuguese star gets offer from Red Devils Thus far, no Bundesliga match has been cancelled due to a high number of COVID-19 cases at a club as DFL rules state a club must play providing it has 15 fit players. Werder Bremen’s former German midfielder Clemens Fritz termed Hoffenheim’s cases as “tragic”. "Hoffenheim is in close communication with the players who are currently still with their national teams, as well as with the health authorities," said sports director Alexander Rosen.ALSO READ: Liverpool's injury worry grows as Joe Gomez suffers serious knee injury Earlier on Tuesday, Hoffenheim confirmed two cases when Denmark’s Robert Skov and Israel’s Munas Dabbur tested positive for the virus while on national duty. Denmark winger Jacob Bruun Larsen and a member of staff were isolated at the weekend after testing positive. As a precaution, goalkeeper Oliver Baumann and left-back Ryan Sessegnon were both sent home from the senior Germany and England Under-21 squads respectively despite negative tests. Hoffenheim stunned European champions Bayern 4-1 in September but have taken just seven points from seven matches. (With AFP inputs)

Hoffenheim hit badly by COVID-19 cases as club confirm eighth case; squad quarantined

Robert Lewandowski scored his 11th goal in just his sixth Bundesliga game this season as Bayern Munich went top of the table on Saturday with a 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund.

"In the end, we deserved the win and such victories are doubly important for us," said midfielder Leon Goretzka as Bayern saw off their rivals.

After Marco Reus had put Dortmund ahead, David Alaba blasted home a free-kick to make it 1-1 at half-time behind closed doors at Signal Iduna Park.

Lewandowski gave Bayern the lead with a superb header early in the second half before Leroy Sane grabbed the visitors' third.&nbsp;

Erling Braut Haaland gave Dortmund hope with a late goal, but was left to regret earlier misses.

"I have to score more goals, if we don't put our chances away at this level, then we won't win," said Haaland, who converted one of four shots on goal.

"They are the best team in the world and we have to work harder to take the next step to be as good as them".

The 32-year-old Lewandowski could have finished with a hat-trick against his former club after also having two goals disallowed by the VAR.

The win leaves Bayern two points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig with Dortmund third, three points behind Munich.&nbsp;

<h2>- Kimmich injury -</h2>

The away win could have come at a cost, however, as Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich had to be helped off in clear distress with a first-half knee injury.

"I think his knee got overstretched, it didn't look good," admitted Goretzka.

After the hosts made a bright start with Haaland firing wide, Lewandowski's effort on 24 minutes was ruled out by the VAR who spotted the Poland star offside in the build up.

Dortmund took the lead on 45 minutes when centre-half Mats Hummels sent a superb pass down the left flank for Jadon Sancho.

The England winger played Raphael Guerreiro into the area to provide the final pass which Reus fired home.

However, Bayern levelled four minutes later.

After Dortmund's midfield enforcer Thomas Delaney brought down Serge Gnarby on the edge of the area, Alaba blasted home a superb free-kick to make it 1-1 at the break.

Haaland fired wide at the start of the second half, just before Lewandowski powered home his header from a pin-point Lucas Herandez cross to put Bayern 2-1 up on 48 minutes.

Bayern had their tails up and Kingsley Coman's shot crashed off the post soon after.

Sane looked to have put the game beyond Dortmund when he cut inside, beat two defenders and fired home ten minutes from time.

However, Haaland fired home from a tight angle to give Dortmund hope while Reus volleyed wide with the goal at his mercy.

Lewandowski had the ball in the Dortmund net once more just before the whistle, only to again be denied by the VAR.

<h2>- Leipzig down Freiburg -</h2>

Earlier, RB Leipzig were impressive in their 3-0 home win over Freiburg.

Defender Ibrahima&nbsp;Konate fired home Leipzig's opener before midfielder Marcel Sabitzer added their second goal with a 70th-minute penalty.

Manchester City loanee Angelino claimed the third with a stunning free-kick which curled over the Freiburg wall just before the final whistle.

"We really deserved the win - we were very, very good in the first-half," said Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Union Berlin climbed to fourth with a 5-0 home thrashing of strugglers Arminia Bielefeld.

Former Germany striker Max Kruse helped set up Union's first three goals, then converted a late penalty.

Bottom side Mainz were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Schalke, who sit one place above them and have now gone 23 games without a league win dating back to January.

After five games without a win, Hertha Berlin roared back with a 3-0 victory in the fog at Augsburg.

Forwards Matheus Cunha, Dodi Lukebakio and Krzysztof Piatek, who cost Hertha 24 million euros ($28 million) from AC Milan in January, got on the scoresheet.

Robert Lewandowski scored his 11th goal in just his sixth Bundesliga game this season as Bayern Munich went top of the table on Saturday with a 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund.

Robert Lewandowski scored his 11th goal in just his sixth Bundesliga game this season as Bayern Munich went top of the table on Saturday with a 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund. "In the end, we deserved the win and such victories are doubly important for us," said midfielder Leon Goretzka as Bayern saw off their rivals. After Marco Reus had put Dortmund ahead, David Alaba blasted home a free-kick to make it 1-1 at half-time behind closed doors at Signal Iduna Park. Lewandowski gave Bayern the lead with a superb header early in the second half before Leroy Sane grabbed the visitors' third. Erling Braut Haaland gave Dortmund hope with a late goal, but was left to regret earlier misses. "I have to score more goals, if we don't put our chances away at this level, then we won't win," said Haaland, who converted one of four shots on goal. "They are the best team in the world and we have to work harder to take the next step to be as good as them". The 32-year-old Lewandowski could have finished with a hat-trick against his former club after also having two goals disallowed by the VAR. The win leaves Bayern two points clear of second-placed RB Leipzig with Dortmund third, three points behind Munich. - Kimmich injury - The away win could have come at a cost, however, as Bayern midfielder Joshua Kimmich had to be helped off in clear distress with a first-half knee injury. "I think his knee got overstretched, it didn't look good," admitted Goretzka. After the hosts made a bright start with Haaland firing wide, Lewandowski's effort on 24 minutes was ruled out by the VAR who spotted the Poland star offside in the build up. Dortmund took the lead on 45 minutes when centre-half Mats Hummels sent a superb pass down the left flank for Jadon Sancho. The England winger played Raphael Guerreiro into the area to provide the final pass which Reus fired home. However, Bayern levelled four minutes later. After Dortmund's midfield enforcer Thomas Delaney brought down Serge Gnarby on the edge of the area, Alaba blasted home a superb free-kick to make it 1-1 at the break. Haaland fired wide at the start of the second half, just before Lewandowski powered home his header from a pin-point Lucas Herandez cross to put Bayern 2-1 up on 48 minutes. Bayern had their tails up and Kingsley Coman's shot crashed off the post soon after. Sane looked to have put the game beyond Dortmund when he cut inside, beat two defenders and fired home ten minutes from time. However, Haaland fired home from a tight angle to give Dortmund hope while Reus volleyed wide with the goal at his mercy. Lewandowski had the ball in the Dortmund net once more just before the whistle, only to again be denied by the VAR. - Leipzig down Freiburg - Earlier, RB Leipzig were impressive in their 3-0 home win over Freiburg. Defender Ibrahima Konate fired home Leipzig's opener before midfielder Marcel Sabitzer added their second goal with a 70th-minute penalty. Manchester City loanee Angelino claimed the third with a stunning free-kick which curled over the Freiburg wall just before the final whistle. "We really deserved the win - we were very, very good in the first-half," said Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann. Union Berlin climbed to fourth with a 5-0 home thrashing of strugglers Arminia Bielefeld. Former Germany striker Max Kruse helped set up Union's first three goals, then converted a late penalty. Bottom side Mainz were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Schalke, who sit one place above them and have now gone 23 games without a league win dating back to January. After five games without a win, Hertha Berlin roared back with a 3-0 victory in the fog at Augsburg. Forwards Matheus Cunha, Dodi Lukebakio and Krzysztof Piatek, who cost Hertha 24 million euros ($28 million) from AC Milan in January, got on the scoresheet.

Lewandowski strikes as Bayern Munich down Dortmund to go top

From Clasico to Ruhr clash: Matches to look out for in Europe this weekend

Leroy Sane said all-conquering Bayern Munich crave even more silverware after the Germany winger scored on his debut in Friday's historic 8-0 thrashing of Schalke in the opening game of the new Bundesliga season.

"We're still hungry, even though we won the treble last season," said Sane after creating two goals for Serge Gnabry, who claimed a hat-trick in the goalfest at the Allianz Arena.

"Winning our first game at home 8-0 is obviously super.

"It felt really, really good finally to be able to play with the lads," said Sane, who spent most of last season sidelined at former club Manchester City after tearing knee ligaments at the very start of last season.

"It's been a very good day with lots of goals."

Just 26 days after winning the Champions League final, Bayern picked up where they left off last season with their 22nd-straight win.

"It is amazing how the team has built on the performance of the past season," said Bayern board member and former club captain Oliver Kahn.

The jaw-dropping result is the highest win in an opening game of a new Bundesliga season - five weeks to the day after Bayern's 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Leon Goretzka, Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowksi also netted, while England junior international Jamal Musiala, 17, became the youngest Bayern goal-scorer in the Bundesliga when he came on late.&nbsp;

Bayern had to brush off setbacks in the days leading up to kick-off.

On Thursday, the Mayor of Munich scuppered plans to allow 7,500 fans into the Allianz Arena, due to rising new cases of the coronavirus in the Bavarian capital, hours after Bayern confirmed the sale of Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool.

Before kick-off, David Alaba, who is stalling over signing a contract extension with a year left to go, dropped out with a leg injury.

<h2>- Normal service resumed -</h2>

However, Bayern picked up where they left off 26 days after winning the Champions League final in Lisbon.&nbsp;

Cash-strapped Schalke continued their miserable finish to last season as David Wagner's side have now gone 17 games without a win.

Gnabry opened the scoring with just four minutes gone with a great piece of finishing which gave Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann no chance.

Burly central midfielder Goretzka grabbed the second against his former club when he hit the bottom corner from the edge of the box on 19 minutes.

Lewandowski, the Bundesliga's top scorer last season with 34 goals, opened his account for 2020/21 with half an hour gone.

He netted a penalty after being brought down in the area by Schalke defender Ozan Kabak, who has been linked to a move to Liverpool.

Incredibly, Lewandowski has now scored in each of his last 10 games against Schalke, dating back to April 2016, including a hat-trick in last August's 3-0 win over the Royal Blues in Gelsenkirchen.&nbsp;

It was 3-0 at half-time, but Gnabry grabbed his second two minutes after the break when he fired into an empty net after a sprint by Sane pulled Faehrmann out of position.

The pair combined again when Sane chested the ball down after getting in behind the defence and rolled the ball off to the waiting Gnabry to claim his hat-trick just before the hour mark.

Mueller added the sixth on 69 minutes after Lewandowski had again cut Schalke's defence to shreds.

The records were sent tumbling as Sane marked his debut with the seventh on 71 minutes when he sprinted onto Joshua Kimmich's superb pass and fired home with Lewandowski unmarked outside him.

Musiala, who only turned 17 in February, became the club's youngest scorer in the Bundesliga when he darted in from the left wing to add the eighth on 81 minutes.&nbsp;

Leroy Sane said all-conquering Bayern Munich crave even more silverware after the Germany winger scored on his debut in Friday's historic 8-0 thrashing of Schalke in the opening game of the new Bundesliga season.

Leroy Sane said all-conquering Bayern Munich crave even more silverware after the Germany winger scored on his debut in Friday's historic 8-0 thrashing of Schalke in the opening game of the new Bundesliga season. "We're still hungry, even though we won the treble last season," said Sane after creating two goals for Serge Gnabry, who claimed a hat-trick in the goalfest at the Allianz Arena. "Winning our first game at home 8-0 is obviously super. "It felt really, really good finally to be able to play with the lads," said Sane, who spent most of last season sidelined at former club Manchester City after tearing knee ligaments at the very start of last season. "It's been a very good day with lots of goals." Just 26 days after winning the Champions League final, Bayern picked up where they left off last season with their 22nd-straight win. "It is amazing how the team has built on the performance of the past season," said Bayern board member and former club captain Oliver Kahn. The jaw-dropping result is the highest win in an opening game of a new Bundesliga season - five weeks to the day after Bayern's 8-2 thrashing of Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Leon Goretzka, Thomas Mueller and Robert Lewandowksi also netted, while England junior international Jamal Musiala, 17, became the youngest Bayern goal-scorer in the Bundesliga when he came on late. Bayern had to brush off setbacks in the days leading up to kick-off. On Thursday, the Mayor of Munich scuppered plans to allow 7,500 fans into the Allianz Arena, due to rising new cases of the coronavirus in the Bavarian capital, hours after Bayern confirmed the sale of Thiago Alcantara to Liverpool. Before kick-off, David Alaba, who is stalling over signing a contract extension with a year left to go, dropped out with a leg injury. - Normal service resumed - However, Bayern picked up where they left off 26 days after winning the Champions League final in Lisbon. Cash-strapped Schalke continued their miserable finish to last season as David Wagner's side have now gone 17 games without a win. Gnabry opened the scoring with just four minutes gone with a great piece of finishing which gave Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann no chance. Burly central midfielder Goretzka grabbed the second against his former club when he hit the bottom corner from the edge of the box on 19 minutes. Lewandowski, the Bundesliga's top scorer last season with 34 goals, opened his account for 2020/21 with half an hour gone. He netted a penalty after being brought down in the area by Schalke defender Ozan Kabak, who has been linked to a move to Liverpool. Incredibly, Lewandowski has now scored in each of his last 10 games against Schalke, dating back to April 2016, including a hat-trick in last August's 3-0 win over the Royal Blues in Gelsenkirchen. It was 3-0 at half-time, but Gnabry grabbed his second two minutes after the break when he fired into an empty net after a sprint by Sane pulled Faehrmann out of position. The pair combined again when Sane chested the ball down after getting in behind the defence and rolled the ball off to the waiting Gnabry to claim his hat-trick just before the hour mark. Mueller added the sixth on 69 minutes after Lewandowski had again cut Schalke's defence to shreds. The records were sent tumbling as Sane marked his debut with the seventh on 71 minutes when he sprinted onto Joshua Kimmich's superb pass and fired home with Lewandowski unmarked outside him. Musiala, who only turned 17 in February, became the club's youngest scorer in the Bundesliga when he darted in from the left wing to add the eighth on 81 minutes.

Gnabry hits hat-trick as 'hungry' Bayern run riot in historic Bundesliga opener

Bundesliga: Top five new signings to watchout for!

The Paris Saint-Germain of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe go after a first-ever Champions League crown in a final behind closed doors in Lisbon on Sunday, but standing in their way are a fearsome Bayern Munich led by the prolific Robert Lewandowski.

It is a mouthwatering showdown between two of Europe's super clubs, with PSG eager to cap their rise in the last decade under Qatari ownership and Bayern hoping to lift the trophy for the sixth time.

Such an occasion deserves to be played in front of a full stadium, but the cavernous, 65,000-seat Estadio da Luz will remain empty.

No fans are allowed in, as has been the case throughout this unprecedented 'Final Eight' tournament in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

"It will be odd to play behind closed doors. We would have liked to have our supporters there but I know they are supporting us where they are. But this is still the Champions League," said Mbappe on Saturday.

"You still feel all the tension. Everyone wants to win it, especially with this unusual format. Everyone will remember this for a long time because of the tragic events surrounding it."

While the atmosphere in the ground will be surreal, the match promises to be fascinating, pitting together two teams whose domestic dominance is almost total and who were both comfortable winners in the semi-finals.

<h2>'Go down in history'&nbsp;</h2>

PSG beat RB Leipzig 3-0 to become the first French representative in the final since Monaco in 2004 and can now become just the second French winner ever, after Marseille in 1993.

"At the gates of paradise" roared a headline in France's leading sports daily, L'Equipe, on Sunday.

"This is exactly why I came here. I always said that I wanted to go down in my country's history. (This) is another chance to do that," said Mbappe.

If PSG represent, in the eyes of many, the nouveau riche, Bayern are one of the continent's traditional giants. This is their 11th final.

The last of their five victories came in 2013. Four starters from that victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley -- goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Thomas Mueller -- could play here. Boateng is expected to start after a hamstring injury.

The game comes exactly 50 years after PSG's first official match. When, in 1974, Bayern won their first European Cup, PSG were just winning promotion to France's top flight.&nbsp;

Leaving aside their storied past, Bayern appear the most formidable team in Europe just now.

Their 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon was their 20th consecutive victory. They are unbeaten in 29 matches since December last year under coach Hansi Flick.

They have already pocketed a German league and cup double, with the Bundesliga title their eighth in a row.

They have won all 10 Champions League matches this season, scoring 42 goals, including a 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur and the 8-2 quarter-final demolition of Barcelona.

<h2>Bayern's 'small advantage'</h2>

Lewandowski has 55 goals this season. But he is more than ably supported.

Bayern take the risk of playing with a high defensive line. Yet it remains to be seen if they can afford to do that against PSG's attack of Neymar, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria.

"We've always played with a high line and ultimately we've got results doing that so we won't change too much," Flick insisted.

"Bayern's faith in their own strengths is unwavering," said Munich-based daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung on Sunday.

The French champions have themselves lost once since November 1, last year, and they overturned that 2-1 reverse in Dortmund in the last 16 by winning the return leg.

"It is a small advantage for Bayern that they are used as a club to playing these games. I accept that, but it is not a decisive advantage," said their German coach Thomas Tuchel.

He was optimistic playmaker Marco Verratti would start after a calf problem. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas is tipped to return after a hamstring injury.

To the winners, along with the glory, will go huge sums in prize money.

At the start of the season UEFA set out a prize pot which ensured up to 80 million euros ($94m) would be destined for the winners.

To that sum can be added close to the same again from television and as a result of the clubs' respective UEFA ranking.

The Paris Saint-Germain of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe go after a first-ever Champions League crown in a final behind closed doors in Lisbon on Sunday, but standing in their way are a fearsome Bayern Munich led by the prolific Robert Lewandowski.

The Paris Saint-Germain of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe go after a first-ever Champions League crown in a final behind closed doors in Lisbon on Sunday, but standing in their way are a fearsome Bayern Munich led by the prolific Robert Lewandowski. It is a mouthwatering showdown between two of Europe's super clubs, with PSG eager to cap their rise in the last decade under Qatari ownership and Bayern hoping to lift the trophy for the sixth time. Such an occasion deserves to be played in front of a full stadium, but the cavernous, 65,000-seat Estadio da Luz will remain empty. No fans are allowed in, as has been the case throughout this unprecedented 'Final Eight' tournament in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. "It will be odd to play behind closed doors. We would have liked to have our supporters there but I know they are supporting us where they are. But this is still the Champions League," said Mbappe on Saturday. "You still feel all the tension. Everyone wants to win it, especially with this unusual format. Everyone will remember this for a long time because of the tragic events surrounding it." While the atmosphere in the ground will be surreal, the match promises to be fascinating, pitting together two teams whose domestic dominance is almost total and who were both comfortable winners in the semi-finals. 'Go down in history' PSG beat RB Leipzig 3-0 to become the first French representative in the final since Monaco in 2004 and can now become just the second French winner ever, after Marseille in 1993. "At the gates of paradise" roared a headline in France's leading sports daily, L'Equipe, on Sunday. "This is exactly why I came here. I always said that I wanted to go down in my country's history. (This) is another chance to do that," said Mbappe. If PSG represent, in the eyes of many, the nouveau riche, Bayern are one of the continent's traditional giants. This is their 11th final. The last of their five victories came in 2013. Four starters from that victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley -- goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, David Alaba and Thomas Mueller -- could play here. Boateng is expected to start after a hamstring injury. The game comes exactly 50 years after PSG's first official match. When, in 1974, Bayern won their first European Cup, PSG were just winning promotion to France's top flight. Leaving aside their storied past, Bayern appear the most formidable team in Europe just now. Their 3-0 semi-final win over Lyon was their 20th consecutive victory. They are unbeaten in 29 matches since December last year under coach Hansi Flick. They have already pocketed a German league and cup double, with the Bundesliga title their eighth in a row. They have won all 10 Champions League matches this season, scoring 42 goals, including a 7-2 win at Tottenham Hotspur and the 8-2 quarter-final demolition of Barcelona. Bayern's 'small advantage' Lewandowski has 55 goals this season. But he is more than ably supported. Bayern take the risk of playing with a high defensive line. Yet it remains to be seen if they can afford to do that against PSG's attack of Neymar, Mbappe and Angel Di Maria. "We've always played with a high line and ultimately we've got results doing that so we won't change too much," Flick insisted. "Bayern's faith in their own strengths is unwavering," said Munich-based daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung on Sunday. The French champions have themselves lost once since November 1, last year, and they overturned that 2-1 reverse in Dortmund in the last 16 by winning the return leg. "It is a small advantage for Bayern that they are used as a club to playing these games. I accept that, but it is not a decisive advantage," said their German coach Thomas Tuchel. He was optimistic playmaker Marco Verratti would start after a calf problem. Goalkeeper Keylor Navas is tipped to return after a hamstring injury. To the winners, along with the glory, will go huge sums in prize money. At the start of the season UEFA set out a prize pot which ensured up to 80 million euros ($94m) would be destined for the winners. To that sum can be added close to the same again from television and as a result of the clubs' respective UEFA ranking.

Preview: Formidable Bayern Munich stand in way of PSG in surreal Champions League final

The German Football League on Tuesday accepted government’s decision to not back the plans for fans to return when Bundesliga 2020-21 season starts in mid-September.&nbsp;

DFL, in its statement, said that it respects the decision by the government as they have always stressed that curbing the spread of COVID-19 must be a top priority.&nbsp;

"The league has always stressed that containing the coronavirus must be a top priority," the DFL said in a statement.

"We therefore respect the position of the federal and state health ministers.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/alcantara-set-to-leave-but-bayern-cautiously-optimistic-of-keeping-alaba-319784" hreflang="en">Alcantara set to leave but Bayern 'cautiously optimistic' of keeping Alaba</a>

"The goal should be to strive for a return to normality in all areas of life, with targeted concepts appropriate to the respective situation."&nbsp;

The hopes of the Bundesliga and Germany’s top clubs were dashed on Monday when German health minister Jens Spahn said that he would not back a four-point plan for the partial return of fans when new season begins on September 18.&nbsp;

Germany was the first of Europe’s major leagues to resume action after COVID-19 shutdown but clubs lost millions of euros of match-day revenues for each match played in front of empty stands.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aaron-ramsey-has-no-place-in-andrea-pirlos-juventus-reports-319738" hreflang="en">Aaron Ramsey has no place in Andrea Pirlo's Juventus: Reports</a>

German clubs were hoping senior politicians would back their four-point plan which includes – all-seater stadiums, ban on away fans, personalized tickets and ban on alcohol. However, both Spahn and state premier for Bavaria Markus Soeder, said it was too early to allow fans back into the stadiums.&nbsp;

Moving forward, the DFL said that along with the clubs, it will "prepare in the best possible way for a return of stadium visitors" without setting a deadline. 
&nbsp;

The German Football League on Tuesday accepted government’s decision to not back the plans for fans to return when Bundesliga 2020-21 season starts in mid-September.

The German Football League on Tuesday accepted government’s decision to not back the plans for fans to return when Bundesliga 2020-21 season starts in mid-September. DFL, in its statement, said that it respects the decision by the government as they have always stressed that curbing the spread of COVID-19 must be a top priority. "The league has always stressed that containing the coronavirus must be a top priority," the DFL said in a statement. "We therefore respect the position of the federal and state health ministers. ALSO READ: Alcantara set to leave but Bayern 'cautiously optimistic' of keeping Alaba "The goal should be to strive for a return to normality in all areas of life, with targeted concepts appropriate to the respective situation." The hopes of the Bundesliga and Germany’s top clubs were dashed on Monday when German health minister Jens Spahn said that he would not back a four-point plan for the partial return of fans when new season begins on September 18. Germany was the first of Europe’s major leagues to resume action after COVID-19 shutdown but clubs lost millions of euros of match-day revenues for each match played in front of empty stands. ALSO READ: Aaron Ramsey has no place in Andrea Pirlo's Juventus: Reports German clubs were hoping senior politicians would back their four-point plan which includes – all-seater stadiums, ban on away fans, personalized tickets and ban on alcohol. However, both Spahn and state premier for Bavaria Markus Soeder, said it was too early to allow fans back into the stadiums. Moving forward, the DFL said that along with the clubs, it will "prepare in the best possible way for a return of stadium visitors" without setting a deadline.

Bundesliga "accepts" blow to hopes fans can return for 2020/21 season

Football clubs in Germany's top two divisions on Tuesday agreed to plans drawn up by the league which could allow the partial return of fans to stadiums from mid-September, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Under the plans proposed by the German Football League (DFL) for the new season, which starts on September 18, the clubs agreed on four key points.

Fans would only be allowed to sit, tickets would be personalised so spectators could be traced, alcohol at matches would be banned until October and there will be no away fans until the end of the year.

The plan is however subject to approval by German authorities, with health ministers of the country's 16 states to meet on Monday over the issue.

Germany has recorded 211,281 cases and 9,156 deaths due to the coronavirus, and in April began easing curbs imposed to halt transmission.&nbsp;

But fears are growing over a second wave as daily number of new infections&nbsp;was steadily climbing again, in recent weeks hitting levels not seen since May.

"The priority in Germany at the moment is not full stadiums, but people's health," said Christian Seifert, chief executive of the Bundesliga after a virtual meeting of the clubs.

"When and how many spectators are allowed to return to the stadiums is not a decision for the DFL to make."

The league's plans for fans to return has been the subject of debate among politicians and virologists in Germany.

Several fan groups have also criticised the plans, fearing long-term restrictions of their rights.

However, the league insists any changes would only be temporary while the pandemic continues to be a factor.

Seifert says the rate of infection must be taken into account and "should by no means be underestimated".

"Professional football can only return to normality in stages," he added.

"We will have to regain normality in small steps. We cannot go from zero to 100."

After a two-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final nine rounds of last season's Bundesliga matches were completed behind closed doors in late June.

Amid tight hygiene measures, Germany was the first country to restart its league season which paved the way for other top European leagues to follow suit.

However, Bundesliga clubs lose millions of euros in match day revenue for each game played in front of empty stands and are eager to welcome fans back.

For example, Borussia Dortmund, who finished second to champions Bayern Munich last season, are planning to have up to 15,000 fans for home games next season.

On a typical match day in Dortmund, over 81,000 spectators would fill Signal Iduna Park.

However, Seifert said even a figure of 10,000 at matches would be hard to justify with large events banned in Germany until October 31.

"Nobody at the DFL will require a specific number of fans," he said.

Football clubs in Germany's top two divisions on Tuesday agreed to plans drawn up by the league which could allow the partial return of fans to stadiums from mid-September, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Football clubs in Germany's top two divisions on Tuesday agreed to plans drawn up by the league which could allow the partial return of fans to stadiums from mid-September, despite the coronavirus pandemic. Under the plans proposed by the German Football League (DFL) for the new season, which starts on September 18, the clubs agreed on four key points. Fans would only be allowed to sit, tickets would be personalised so spectators could be traced, alcohol at matches would be banned until October and there will be no away fans until the end of the year. The plan is however subject to approval by German authorities, with health ministers of the country's 16 states to meet on Monday over the issue. Germany has recorded 211,281 cases and 9,156 deaths due to the coronavirus, and in April began easing curbs imposed to halt transmission. But fears are growing over a second wave as daily number of new infections was steadily climbing again, in recent weeks hitting levels not seen since May. "The priority in Germany at the moment is not full stadiums, but people's health," said Christian Seifert, chief executive of the Bundesliga after a virtual meeting of the clubs. "When and how many spectators are allowed to return to the stadiums is not a decision for the DFL to make." The league's plans for fans to return has been the subject of debate among politicians and virologists in Germany. Several fan groups have also criticised the plans, fearing long-term restrictions of their rights. However, the league insists any changes would only be temporary while the pandemic continues to be a factor. Seifert says the rate of infection must be taken into account and "should by no means be underestimated". "Professional football can only return to normality in stages," he added. "We will have to regain normality in small steps. We cannot go from zero to 100." After a two-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final nine rounds of last season's Bundesliga matches were completed behind closed doors in late June. Amid tight hygiene measures, Germany was the first country to restart its league season which paved the way for other top European leagues to follow suit. However, Bundesliga clubs lose millions of euros in match day revenue for each game played in front of empty stands and are eager to welcome fans back. For example, Borussia Dortmund, who finished second to champions Bayern Munich last season, are planning to have up to 15,000 fans for home games next season. On a typical match day in Dortmund, over 81,000 spectators would fill Signal Iduna Park. However, Seifert said even a figure of 10,000 at matches would be hard to justify with large events banned in Germany until October 31. "Nobody at the DFL will require a specific number of fans," he said.

German football clubs agree plans to allow fans to return next month

Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich have clinched the German Cup after beating Bayern Leverkusen 4-2 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday. The German giants are having a dream season as they hope to complete a treble of championships.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-ronaldo-and-dybala-star-as-juventus-beat-torina-4-1-buffon-hits-another-milestone-310821" hreflang="en">Serie A: Ronaldo and Dybala star as Juventus beat Torina 4-1; Buffon hits another milestone</a>

David Alaba opened the score for Bayern Munich after a free-kick in the 16th minute. Serge Gnabry scored in the 24th minute. Robert &nbsp;Lewandowski continued his prolific form and smashed two decisive goals and helped Munich lift the cup for the 20th time. &nbsp;

The Polish striker scored his 50th goal of the season. &nbsp;

Munich hopes to complete the year with a treble by winning the final championship UEFA Champions League. They will play the second leg of Round of 16 against Chelsea. They won the first-leg 3-0.&nbsp;

Leverkusen opened their account four minutes later when Sven Bender headed home at the far post from a corner kick, but it was too little, too late as Lewandowski grabbed a second with a chip over the keeper in the 89th minute.

There was late drama when VAR spotted a handball in the box in stoppage time to award Leverkusen a penalty. Kai Havertz's consolation strike into the top corner proved to be the final kick of the game as Bayern defended their title.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich have clinched the German Cup after beating Bayern Leverkusen 4-2 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday. The German giants are having a dream season as they hope to complete a treble of championships.

Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich have clinched the German Cup after beating Bayern Leverkusen 4-2 at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday. The German giants are having a dream season as they hope to complete a treble of championships. Also read: Serie A: Ronaldo and Dybala star as Juventus beat Torina 4-1; Buffon hits another milestone David Alaba opened the score for Bayern Munich after a free-kick in the 16th minute. Serge Gnabry scored in the 24th minute. Robert Lewandowski continued his prolific form and smashed two decisive goals and helped Munich lift the cup for the 20th time. The Polish striker scored his 50th goal of the season. Munich hopes to complete the year with a treble by winning the final championship UEFA Champions League. They will play the second leg of Round of 16 against Chelsea. They won the first-leg 3-0. Leverkusen opened their account four minutes later when Sven Bender headed home at the far post from a corner kick, but it was too little, too late as Lewandowski grabbed a second with a chip over the keeper in the 89th minute. There was late drama when VAR spotted a handball in the box in stoppage time to award Leverkusen a penalty. Kai Havertz's consolation strike into the top corner proved to be the final kick of the game as Bayern defended their title. (Inputs from Reuters)

Robert Lewandowski stars as Bayern Munich win DFB Pokal for 20th time; German giants eye treble finish to the season

Leroy Sane's transfer to Bayern Munich has left many Manchester City fans fuming.&nbsp;

The Bundesliga Champions had shown their interest in the player last year but they dropped the plan after Sane got injured during a match against Liverpool.&nbsp;

Man City agreed to a €45 million deal with Bayern Munich, this deal included €11 million in add-ons.&nbsp;

Winger Leroy Sane is set to sign a five-year-deal worth €22 million, this is double the amount Man City had offered in contract negotiations.&nbsp;

City fans took out their anger on Twitter, some said the fee was too as compared to player's abilities.&nbsp;

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Leroy Sané to Bayern for under €50m is an incredible signing. They have managed to successfully replace Robben &amp; Ribery with Gnabry &amp; Sané. An incredible duo alongside Lewandowski. Further highlights the importance of effective and efficient management by directors at a club.
— TR (@TacticalRole) <a href="https://twitter.com/TacticalRole/status/1278017227569029121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Manchester City going to replace Leroy Sane with Jack Grealish? <a href="https://t.co/iMf1LtiYhe">pic.twitter.com/iMf1LtiYhe</a>
— Lee Lloyd (@leelloyd_) <a href="https://twitter.com/leelloyd_/status/1278015190966001664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Man City coach Pep Guardiola said that the team is unlikely to buy a replacement for Sane as there are many options in the team.&nbsp;

He said: "I don’t know if he (Sane) is going to leave this summer or at the end of his contract but we have enough good players upfront.

"Gabriel (Jesus) can play on the left, Phil Foden can play on the left, we have Raheem (Sterling) there. We have big, talented players upfront.

“Most of them are in good healthy conditions, like Phil, Riyad (Mahrez), Gabriel, Raheem, they can play quite regularly for a long period, they are so stable in terms of injury situations.

"I think we have other priorities maybe. And I don’t know, after the coronavirus, if the situation economically and financially for the clubs is changing.

“I don’t know what the situation is. We’re going to see at the end of this season.” 
&nbsp;

Leroy Sane's transfer to Bayern Munich has left many Manchester City fans fuming. The Bundesliga Champions had shown their interest in the player last year but they dropped the plan after Sane got injured during a match against Liverpool.

Leroy Sane's transfer to Bayern Munich has left many Manchester City fans fuming. The Bundesliga Champions had shown their interest in the player last year but they dropped the plan after Sane got injured during a match against Liverpool. Man City agreed to a €45 million deal with Bayern Munich, this deal included €11 million in add-ons. Winger Leroy Sane is set to sign a five-year-deal worth €22 million, this is double the amount Man City had offered in contract negotiations. City fans took out their anger on Twitter, some said the fee was too as compared to player's abilities. Leroy Sané to Bayern for under €50m is an incredible signing. They have managed to successfully replace Robben & Ribery with Gnabry & Sané. An incredible duo alongside Lewandowski. Further highlights the importance of effective and efficient management by directors at a club. — TR (@TacticalRole) June 30, 2020 × Manchester City going to replace Leroy Sane with Jack Grealish? pic.twitter.com/iMf1LtiYhe — Lee Lloyd (@leelloyd_) June 30, 2020 × Man City coach Pep Guardiola said that the team is unlikely to buy a replacement for Sane as there are many options in the team. He said: "I don’t know if he (Sane) is going to leave this summer or at the end of his contract but we have enough good players upfront. "Gabriel (Jesus) can play on the left, Phil Foden can play on the left, we have Raheem (Sterling) there. We have big, talented players upfront. “Most of them are in good healthy conditions, like Phil, Riyad (Mahrez), Gabriel, Raheem, they can play quite regularly for a long period, they are so stable in terms of injury situations. "I think we have other priorities maybe. And I don’t know, after the coronavirus, if the situation economically and financially for the clubs is changing. “I don’t know what the situation is. We’re going to see at the end of this season.”

Manchester City fans left fuming with Leroy Sane set to join Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich has won its eighth successive Bundesliga title after winning against Werder Bremen after the winning goal was scored by Robert Lewandowski.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/how-will-the-bundesliga-champions-celebrate-the-title-in-times-of-coronavirus-306254" hreflang="en">How will the Bundesliga champions celebrate the title in times of coronavirus?</a>

This is Bayern's 11th consecutive win in the league and has put them 10 points clear of Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund has three games left.&nbsp;

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🏆 2020 
🏆 2019 
🏆 2018 
🏆 2017 
🏆 2016 
🏆 2015 
🏆 2014 
🏆 2013 
 
𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑏𝑟𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 🎉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MEI8TER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MEI8TER</a> <a href="https://t.co/boERc9HOia">pic.twitter.com/boERc9HOia</a>
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1272989949479002112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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In the match against Werder Bremen, Bayern was reduced to 10 men after Alphonso Davies was sent off for two yellow-card offences.

Bayern's striker Lewandowski has equalled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's scoring record in a single-season by a foreign player in the league. Lewandowski scored 31 goals this season and Aubameyang, who currently plays for Arsenal, scored 31 goals in Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund in 2016-17.&nbsp;

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Bundesliga Champions 2020! Despite the difficult conditions in the last weeks we can celebrate the eighth German Championship in a row. Congrats to the team and all members of <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayern?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FCBayern</a>! These times show the great cohesion of this club and I'm proud of being a part of it 🏆🔴⚪ <a href="https://t.co/kRO4xX7rQ3">pic.twitter.com/kRO4xX7rQ3</a>
— Oliver Kahn (@OliverKahn) <a href="https://twitter.com/OliverKahn/status/1273021237707649026?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This year's celebrations were toned down due to coronavirus pandemic after the full time whistle the players' delighted shouts echoed in the empty stadiums. Their manager Hansi Flick, who is also a four-time Bundesliga winner with Bayern as a player, said: "It is sensational the kind of football we have played in the past few months."

"You could feel the passion, the joy for the game and the team spirit."

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🎵CHAMPIOOOOOOONES, CHAMPIOOOOOOONES!🎵🏆🔴⚪️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MEI8TER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MEI8TER</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a> <a href="https://t.co/gZ5KnwRhFL">pic.twitter.com/gZ5KnwRhFL</a>
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBayernEN/status/1273023088758788097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The German giants have progressed to the final of the German Cup and will face Bayer Leverkusen on July 4 in Berlin. Their Champions League campaign is yet to resume. They will be facing Chelsea for the second leg of the round of 16 ties. In the first leg, Bayern beat Chelsea 3-0.

"We have now taken the first step and reached our big goal," added Flick.

"But we also have the cup in our sights and then obviously the Champions League games are something you cannot plan for and we still need to survive the Chelsea game."

Few records were equalled after Bayern secured their eighth Bundesliga title. David Alaba and Thomas Muller have equalled Frack Ribery's record by winning their ninth league title.&nbsp;

Hansi Flick has become the third person to win the Bundesliga title for Bayern both as a player and a manager, after Franz Beckenbauer and Niko Kovac.

Bayern Munich has won its eighth successive Bundesliga title after winning against Werder Bremen after the winning goal was scored by Robert Lewandowski. Also read: How will the Bundesliga champions celebrate the title in times of coronavirus?

Bayern Munich has won its eighth successive Bundesliga title after winning against Werder Bremen after the winning goal was scored by Robert Lewandowski. Also read: How will the Bundesliga champions celebrate the title in times of coronavirus? This is Bayern's 11th consecutive win in the league and has put them 10 points clear of Borussia Dortmund. Dortmund has three games left. 🏆 2020 🏆 2019 🏆 2018 🏆 2017 🏆 2016 🏆 2015 🏆 2014 🏆 2013 𝑇𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑏𝑟𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 🎉#MEI8TER pic.twitter.com/boERc9HOia — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) June 16, 2020 × In the match against Werder Bremen, Bayern was reduced to 10 men after Alphonso Davies was sent off for two yellow-card offences. Bayern's striker Lewandowski has equalled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's scoring record in a single-season by a foreign player in the league. Lewandowski scored 31 goals this season and Aubameyang, who currently plays for Arsenal, scored 31 goals in Bundesliga for Borussia Dortmund in 2016-17. Bundesliga Champions 2020! Despite the difficult conditions in the last weeks we can celebrate the eighth German Championship in a row. Congrats to the team and all members of @FCBayern! These times show the great cohesion of this club and I'm proud of being a part of it 🏆🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/kRO4xX7rQ3 — Oliver Kahn (@OliverKahn) June 16, 2020 × This year's celebrations were toned down due to coronavirus pandemic after the full time whistle the players' delighted shouts echoed in the empty stadiums. Their manager Hansi Flick, who is also a four-time Bundesliga winner with Bayern as a player, said: "It is sensational the kind of football we have played in the past few months." "You could feel the passion, the joy for the game and the team spirit." 🎵CHAMPIOOOOOOONES, CHAMPIOOOOOOONES!🎵🏆🔴⚪️#MEI8TER #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/gZ5KnwRhFL — FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) June 16, 2020 × The German giants have progressed to the final of the German Cup and will face Bayer Leverkusen on July 4 in Berlin. Their Champions League campaign is yet to resume. They will be facing Chelsea for the second leg of the round of 16 ties. In the first leg, Bayern beat Chelsea 3-0. "We have now taken the first step and reached our big goal," added Flick. "But we also have the cup in our sights and then obviously the Champions League games are something you cannot plan for and we still need to survive the Chelsea game." Few records were equalled after Bayern secured their eighth Bundesliga title. David Alaba and Thomas Muller have equalled Frack Ribery's record by winning their ninth league title. Hansi Flick has become the third person to win the Bundesliga title for Bayern both as a player and a manager, after Franz Beckenbauer and Niko Kovac.

Bayern Munich win eighth successive Bundesliga title; celebrations toned down due to COVID-19

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