Bayern close in on Bundesliga title as Dortmund stumble, Eta loses historic debut

Bayern Munich moved to the brink of another Bundesliga title after Borussia Dortmund slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Hoffenheim on Saturday, while Marie-Louise Eta suffered a loss in her landmark debut as Union Berlin coach.

Dortmund’s setback leaves Bayern 12 points clear at the top with a game in hand ahead of their clash with VfB Stuttgart. The champions now need just a single point to secure what would be their 35th league title.

At Hoffenheim, Andrej Kramaric proved decisive, converting two penalties to take his tally to 156 goals for the club and lift the hosts into fifth place, above Bayer Leverkusen.

Hoffenheim, still chasing a Champions League spot, controlled much of the first half and went ahead just before the break when Dortmund defender Niklas Süle handled the ball after falling awkwardly in the box. Kramaric converted from the spot, while Süle was forced off with a knee injury.

Dortmund responded through substitute Serhou Guirassy, but their comeback hopes were cut short in stoppage time when Hoffenheim were awarded a second penalty. Kramaric stepped up again to seal the win.

The result marks back to back defeats for Dortmund, who had previously lost just twice all season.

In Berlin, Eta’s debut as the first female head coach of a men’s team in Europe’s top five leagues ended in disappointment as Union lost 2-1 at home to VfL Wolfsburg.

Eta, appointed on an interim basis, received a warm reception before kickoff, but her side fell behind early when Patrick Wimmer scored in the 11th minute. Dzenan Pejcinovic doubled the lead shortly after halftime.

Wolfsburg’s victory lifts them closer to safety, moving within two points of FC St. Pauli in the relegation playoff place and six points from escaping the drop zone entirely.

Oliver Burke pulled one back late on for Union, who remain six points clear of the playoff spot with four games remaining.

Leverkusen’s top four ambitions suffered another blow as they fell 2-1 at home to FC Augsburg. Patrik Schick gave the hosts an early lead, but Augsburg responded quickly through Fabian Rieder, whose effort deflected in off Jarell Quansah.

Rieder struck again from the penalty spot deep into stoppage time to secure the win and push Leverkusen down to sixth.

Elsewhere, Werder Bremen boosted their survival hopes with a 3-1 victory over northern rivals Hamburger SV, who ended the match with nine men.

Jens Stage scored twice for Bremen, either side of a goal from Robert Glatzel, before Cameron Puertas added a late third. The win moves Bremen five points clear of the bottom three and level on points with Hamburg.

Later on Saturday, Eintracht Frankfurt host RB Leipzig.