Bayern Munich's march to crown stalls with Mainz loss

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - German Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday suffered an unexpected 2-1 loss to Mainz 05 in Mainz's Opel Arena, putting off their chances of claiming the Bundesliga football crown.

Home team Mainz led the first half 2-0.

Jonathan Burkardt scored the opener with a right-footed strike in the third minute, and Robin Quaison doubled the gap with a header in the 37th minute.

Near the end of the match, Bayern Munich narrowed the gap to one as Robert Lewandwoski finished in the area, taking advantage of mistakes by Mainz’s defense.

Lewandwoski’s goal was the Polish star’s 36th in the 2020-21 Bundesliga season, but it was Mainz that secured a 2-1 victory.

Bayern Munich have 71 points to top the Bundesliga standings, as this season is set to end in three weeks.

Second-place RB Leipzig racked up just 61 points in 30 matches, giving it slim hope of capturing the German championship.

If Leipzig lost to Stuttgart on Sunday, Bayern Munich would clinch their 31st league title.

Bayern Munich have been the Bundesliga victors since 2013.

- Dortmund keep Champions League hopes alive

Borussia Dortmund beat Wolfsburg 2-0 on the road Saturday to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season.

Norwegian forward Erling Haaland scored two goals to bring the win to Dortmund at Volkswagen Arena.

Dortmund are in the number five spot now with 55 points.

Wolfsburg have 57 points to be in the number three position.

The top four clubs in Bundesliga will be in the Champions League next season. The fifth team in the standings will qualify for the UEFA Europa League groups.​​​​​​​