Bayern, Dortmund secure wins in German Bundesliga

BERLIN, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) -- Bayern Munich overpowered resilient Schalke 2-1 on goals from Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Mueller whereas Dortmund grabbed their second win in a row after edging Hamburg 2-0 in the 22nd round of Bundesliga on Saturday.

The German record champions and runaway leaders continue their relentless run atop the standings as they recorded the 18th win of the season to restore their 18-point advantage.

Schalke staged an offensively minded performance and came to their first chance with just two minutes played as Breel Embolo tested Bayern goalkeeper Sven Ulreich with a long-range effort.

Bayern took the gloves off and responded with the opener in the 6th minute when Thomas Mueller's shot on target forced Schalke custodian Ralf Faehrmann to make a parry. Robert Lewandowski made use of the rebound and poked home his 19th goal of the season from close range.

The "Royal Blues" remained unimpressed and restored parity at the half-hour mark after Franco di Santo tapped home Leon Goretzka's to make it 1-1 on the scoreboards.

It was a short-lived joy for the visitors as Bayern regained their lead seven minutes later after Thomas Mueller beat Faehrmann from sharp angle following a corner.

After the restart, both sides continued to stage a lively encounter, still Bayern were able to work out clear-cut chances through David Alaba and Lewandowski. Schalke kept it bowling and remained dangerous, however, Bayern's 2-1 win was never in danger.

With the win, Bayern cemented their top spot in the standings meanwhile Schalke slipped to the 6th place.

Borussia Dortmund secured their 500th win on home soil, as second-half goals from Michy Batshuayi and Mario Goetze were enough to beat struggling Hamburg 2-0.

The victory was a stiff piece of work as Dortmund, despite more possession in the first half, lacked in penetration meanwhile Hamburg squandered promising chances through Walace and Filip Kostic before the break.

The hosts ensured a bright start into the second half as Christian Pulisic's build up work allowed loanee Michy Batshuayi to score his third goal in his second game to break the deadlock with 49 minutes into the game.

Hamburg pressed frenetically for the leveller before Mario Goezte sealed the deal after an assist from Andre Schuerrle in the dying seconds of the game.

The "BVB" jumped on the 3rd place whereas Hamburg suffered their 17th loss of the season to stay on the 17th position, which is a direct relegation spot.

Elsewhere, Hoffenheim returned to winning ways as Adam Szalai's brace helped the "TSG" to crush Mainz 4-2.

Hertha Berlin upset in-form Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 owing to the goals from Valentino Lazaro and Salomon Kalou.

Newly promoted Hannover ended Freiburg's winless run following a 2-1 victory and Eintracht Frankfurt overpowered last placed Cologne 4-2.

The following fixtures complete the 22nd round on Sunday: newly promoted Stuttgart host Monchengladbach and Werder Bremen encounter Wolfsburg. Enditem