Bayern Munich earn hard fought 2-0 victory at Hoffenheim

Bayern Munich currently have a 13-point lead over second placed Wolfsburg who are yet to play this weekend

Berlin, April 19 (IANS): Bayern Munich extended their dominance at the top of Bundesliga thanks to a hard-earned 2-0 win at Hoffenheim while Bayer Leverkusen crushed Hannover 4-0 in the 29th round of the German football league.

Bundesliga front-runners Bayern reaped their 23rd victory in the 29th game as they overcame a courageous Hoffenheim 2-0 on Saturday, reports Xinhua.

Both sides staged an evenly-balanced opening period but Hoffenheim's midfielder Anthony Modeste had the best chance to break the deadlock. The striker latched onto a through ball but failed to overcome Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in a one-on-one situation 30 minutes into the game.

The German giants cut a better figure in front of Hoffenheim's goal area as forward Sebastian Rode opened the scoring eight minutes later.

After the break, Bayern nearly doubled the lead through midfielder Thiago Alcantara and forward Thomas Mueller but Hoffenheim goalie Oliver Baumann was on guard twice.

An own goal by Hoffenheim's defender Andreas Beck in the dying minutes of the game ensured victory for Bayern. The defender cleared a square pass by Mueller into his own goal.

With the second win in a row Bayern increased their advantage atop the standings to 13 points while Hoffenheim suffered their 12th loss to remain in the seventh place.

Fourth-placed Bayer Leverkusen jumped to the third spot as they crushed relegation- threatened Hannover 4-0.

Borussia Dortmund returned to winning ways after the news of coach Juergen Klopp's departure at the end of the season, cruising to a 3-0 victory over Paderborn.

Mainz snatched three points after a 3-2 victory at Freiburg. Augsburg defeated Stuttgart 2-1 while Hertha Berlin and FC Cologne shared the spoils following a goalless draw.