Bayern on cusp of title as Dortmund lose, Eta beaten on debut
Dortmund's loss at Hoffenheim means Bayern Munich can wrap up the Bundesliga title on Sunday (Uli Deck) Bayern Munich edged closer to the Bundesliga title after Borussia Dortmund lost 2-1 at Hoffenheim on Saturday, while pioneering Union Berlin coach Marie-Louise Eta was beaten on her debut. Dortmund's defeat leaves Bayern 12 points clear and knowing they need just a point at home to Stuttgart on Sunday to claim their 35th German title. Hoffenheim's club record goalscorer Andrej Kramaric converted two penalties, bringing his career total to 156, to help the hosts move past Bayer Leverkusen into fifth spot.
"To lose because of two penalties is tough," Dortmund defender Daniel Svensson said. "We need more intensity -- we need to end the season well. " Unlike Dortmund, who have all but locked up second place, Hoffenheim still have plenty to play for as they chase a Champions League berth, and dominated proceedings in the opening half.
Just before the break, Dortmund defender Niklas Suele fell awkwardly in the box and handled the ball. Kramaric converted the penalty as Suele was helped from the pitch with a knee injury. Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken told reporters they suspect it is a "serious injury".
Substitute Serhou Guirassy pulled one back for the visitors but Hoffenheim were awarded another penalty in stoppage time, which Kramaric once more dispatched to grab victory. Dortmund have now lost their past two matches, having previously suffered just two defeats across the entire campaign. In Saturday's late game, RB Leipzig's youngsters stole the show in a 3-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt to strengthen their hopes of a return to the Champions League.
Leipzig's first win in Frankfurt on their 11th attempt took them to third, five points clear of fifth-placed Hoffenheim. Yan Diomande, 19, danced in from the right before curling an expert shot into the bottom corner to put Leipzig in front. Frankfurt equalised just after the half-hour mark with a Hugo Larsson header.