Frankfurt, Schalke win in German Bundesliga

Source: Xinhua| 2018-03-18 08:15:34|Editor: pengying
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BERLIN, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Eintracht Frankfurt cruised 3-0 past relegation threatened Mainz meanwhile runner up Schalke carved out a 1-0 victory over struggling Wolfsburg at the 27th round in Bundesliga on Saturday.

Eintracht Frankfurt underline their top four ambitions as goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng, Luka Jovic and Ante Rebic were enough to overcome rivals Mainz 3-0 on home soil.

The hosts controlled the proceedings from the kick off and ensured a bright start as Kevin-Prince Boateng's effort from sharp angle slipped through the hands of Mainz goalkeeper Florian Mueller in the 4th minute.

The "Eagles" remained on the gas pedal and doubled the lead in the 23rd minute when Luka Jovic slotted home Ante Rebic's assist.

Mainz were unable to put up resistance whereas Frankfurt were not done with the scoring in the first half as Ante Rebic unleashed a hammer from the edge of the box to make it 3-0 on the scoreboards in the 41st minute.

After the restart, Frankfurt remained in control and should have extended their advantage but Luka Jovic only rattled the woodwork twice. However, Frankfurt's win was never in jeopardy, as Mainz posed no threat.

With the result, Frankfurt jump on the 4th place for now meanwhile Mainz stay on the 16th place, which is a relegation play-off spot.

Runner up Schalke secured a 1-0 victory over struggling Wolfsburg as Robin Knoche scored an own goal in the dying minutes of the game.

Both sides staged an uneventful first half as both teams staged a well-positioned defence. Hence, goal-scoring opportunities were a rare occurrence in the first 45 minutes.

Things did not change after the halftime as both sides continued with their low-risk strategy.

However, the "Wolves" should have opened the scoring as Matija Nastasic felled Richedly Bazoer inside the box. Paul Verhaegh stepped up but saw his shot from the penalty spot saved by Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann in the 77th minute.

To make things worse, Wolfsburg's defender Robin Knoche cleared a square pass from Breel Embolo into the wrong goal to mark the winner for the "Royal Blues" with four minutes to the final whistle.

With the victory, Schalke tighten their 2nd place in the standings whereas 15th placed Wolfsburg are involved in the relegation battle after suffering the third loss in row.

Elsewhere, Borussia Monchengladbach came back three times to clinch a 3-3 draw against Hoffenheim on home soil.

Werder Bremen eased their relegation worries after beating Augsburg 3-1 by courtesy of Ishak Belfodil's brace and relegation threatened Hamburg extend their winless run to 14 games as Hertha Berlin came from behind to snatch a 2-1 victory.

The following fixtures conclude the 27th round on Sunday: Borussia Dortmund host newly promoted Hannover, bottom side Cologne face Bayer Leverkusen and Leipzig see runaway leaders Bayern Munich.

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