Bayern Munich, Hertha Berlin grab victories in German Bundesliga

Robert Lewandowski's goal helped Bayern to edge Cologne 1-0 while Hertha Berlin tightened their third place with a 2-1 victory over newly promoted Ingolstadt at the 27th round in the German Bundesliga on Saturday.

Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich reaped a 1-0 victory over Cologne thanks to Lewandowski's 25th goal of the season. The Polish international has set a new club record for most Bundesliga goals by a non-German in one season.

Josep Guardiola gave five players a rest but that did not stop the German giants from opening the scoring with just 10 minutes into the game as Lewandowski utilized a clearance inside the box to beat Cologne keeper Timo Horn into the far corner.

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had little to do at the other end of the pitch as defensively minded Cologne got only a free kick on target before the break.

However, the hosts increased their efforts after the halftime but they had to wait until the 73rd minute, when David Alaba had to block Anthony Modeste's shot onto the empty goal. Lewandowski and Kingsley Coman created another two promising opportunities for the "Bavarians" in the closing period.

Nevertheless, Cologne's Leonardo Bittencourt had the leveller on his foot but Neuer parried the shot from very close range to avoid the share of spoils in the dying minutes of the game.

With the result, Bayern Munich stay atop the standings with an eight-point advantage for the moment, while Cologne remain on the 9th place.

Hertha Berlin defended their third place and the direct berth for the UEFA Champions League thanks to a 2-1 victory over newly promoted Ingolstadt.

Ingolstadt's well-positioned defence drove the hosts into desperation at the first half. Berlin had to be patient and to wait after the break, as Genki Haraguchi tapped home Marvin Plattenhardt's pinpoint cross into the box with 54 minutes played.

Hertha gained momentum and doubled the lead 15 minutes later after Haraguchi assisted Salomon Kalou, who slotted home from five meters. Ingolstadt remained unimpressed and restored parity by courtesy of joker Lukas Hinterseer, whose header overcame Berlin custodian Rune Jarstein to reduce the arrears to 1-2 in the 75th minute.

Ingolstadt pressed frenetically for the leveller but Berlin remained cool to protect their neat lead to the end.

After reaping the 14th victory of the season, Berlin established a four-point cushion to fourth placed Schalke. Meanwhile, Ingolstadt continue on the 10th place.

Elsewhere, Claudio Pizarro's 101st Bundesliga goal for Werder Bremen equalled Marco Bode's record, and secured the hosts a 1-1 draw with Mainz.

Wolfsburg suffered a setback in the race for a place in Europe as Andre Schuerrle secured the "Wolves" one point against newly promoted Darmstadt.

Hoffenheim eased their relegation worries after earning their second straight win with a 3-1 victory over Hamburg whilst struggling Frankfurt snatched a 1-0 triumph to inflict last-placed Hannover the fourth loss in row.

The following fixtures conclude the 27th round on Suday: Stuttgart host Bayer Leverkusen and Augsburg encounter runner-up Dortmund. Endit