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The intrigue in the Bundesliga has increased again - former leader Schalke experienced an unexpected failure and the German championship once again saw a two-horse race, which currently favors the Bayern Munich team.
2 - 1
1' [1 - 0] Fabian Gerber
70' [1 - 1] Lincoln (penalty)
79' [2 - 1] Michael Thurk
Schalke, after a victory against Bayern in the last round, had already found themselves at the top of the standings, surpassing their main competitor in the fight for the title, but a setback against one of the league's underdogs gave the advantage back to the Bavarians.
Mainz took the lead with their first attack, as Gerber headed the ball into the net from close range after a pass from N. Weiland. Schalke was shocked and could only recover in the last 20 minutes - N.O. Kamphuis was fouled in the penalty area and Lincoln converted the penalty kick.
However, nine minutes later the hosts took the lead again, as M. Thurk managed to redirect the ball into the goal after a cross from the side. Mainz defended for the remaining part of the match, secured the win and dealt a blow to Schalke's hopes of winning the gold medals.
1 - 0
20' [1 - 0] Markus Babbel
Stuttgart remains in third place, after narrowly defeating the absolute underdog Freiburg at home in Sunday's match and reducing the gap from the leaders to five points.
M. Babbel scored the winning goal for the hosts in the 20th minute of the first half. After this defeat, Freiburg is now twelve points behind the fifteenth place, guaranteeing a spot in the Bundesliga next season.
