Leipzig wins and is closer to the Champions League

Leipzig beat Freiburg 1-0 in the Bundesliga on Saturday with a solitary goal from Kevin Kampl increasing Leipzig’s chance of advancing to the Champions League.

While Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund battle for the league title, Leipzig took the lead over Freiburg and Union Berlin in a three-way battle for one of the last two Champions League tickets.

The Union and Freiburg seek to qualify for the first time in the highest club competition in Europe.

Kampl’s goal was thanks to his skill and a bit of luck. The Slovenian dribbled into the penalty area and tried to pass the ball, but it was deflected by Manuel Gulde and Kampl only had to win the ball back to score. It was the second time Leipzig have beaten Freiburg this week following a 5-1 victory in the German Cup semi-finals on Tuesday.

THE DESCENT

Colero Hertha Berlin increased their chances of escaping relegation after beating relegation-threatened Stuttgart 2-1. Hertha remains in last place, but cut the gap to six points with Stuttgart, which is 16th and the first team outside the relegation zone.

US coach Pellegrino Materazzo is one step closer to saving Hoffenheim from relegation with a 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner received a red card before halftime after arguing over a controversial Hoffenheim penalty. Frankfurt had a chance to bounce back after Stanley Nsoki was sent off for a dangerous play on American Paxten Aaronson, but only managed a Mario Götze strike.

Bochum in 17th place after losing 2-0 to Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Bochum’s defeat could prove to them given that four of the last six teams have won this weekend, including Hertha, Augsburg, Hoffenheim and Schalke, who beat Mainz 3-2 on Friday with a penalty after 102 minutes.