Bayern draw nearer to German title

FC Bayern München failed to take full advantage of Hamburger SV's Saturday defeat by Bayer 04 Leverkusen after a 2-2 draw at 1. FSV Mainz 05 but they still stretched their Bundesliga lead to five points after Werder Bremen's goalless result at home to FC Schalke 04.

Mainz quick lead
Bayern had to come from behind to take a point from their encounter with struggling Mainz, who overran the league leaders in the opening minutes of the match thanks to an early opening goal from striker Mohamed Zidan and central defender Manuel Friedrich's header from an Antonio da Silva corner on the quarter-hour. Roy Makaay brought the visitors back into the match after 29 minutes with his 15th goal of the season and, in an entertaining match, scored again from the penalty spot eight minutes before half-time.

Lead increased
Despite the draw, however, Bayern have increased their lead over Hamburg from four to five points with three matches left before the season’s end, while Mainz are now just one point above the relegation zone. If Bayern defeat VfB Stuttgart on 3 May and Hamburg fail to beat 1. FC Köln, the championship trophy will remain in Munich.

Bremen draw
Third-placed Werder Bremen were held by UEFA Cup semi-finalists Schalke in a tense match. Germany defender Patrick Owomoyela was denied by Schalke goalkeeper Frank Rost after 15 minutes, while striker Kevin Kuranyi came closest for the visitors, shooting wide ten minutes from time. The stalemate keeps third-placed Bremen six points clear of Schalke, who play Sevilla FC in the UEFA Cup semi-final second leg on Thursday.