Bayern back on top of Bundesliga after 2-0 win over Hertha

Bayern's Serge Gnabry celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between FC Bayern Munich and Hertha BSC Berlin at the Allianz Arena stadium in Munich, Germany, April 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

Serge Gnabry and Kingsley Coman scored to send Bayern Munich back to the top of the Bundesliga with a 2-0 win over last-place Hertha Berlin on Sunday.

Gnabry made the breakthrough with a diving header to Joshua Kimmich’s cross in the 69th minute and Coman sealed the win 10 minutes later, again thanks to a fine pass from Kimmich.

It was enough to send Bayern one point clear of Borussia Dortmund with four rounds left. Dortmund, held to a 1-1 draw in Bochum on Friday, must now hope for a favor from Bayern’s remaining opponents — Werder Bremen, Schalke, Leipzig and Cologne — if it is to end the Bavarian powerhouse’s 10-year reign as German champion.

Hertha had goalkeeper Oliver Christensen to thank for avoiding a heavier loss. The visitors were not expected to cause too many problems for Thomas Tuchel’s side after conceding 10 goals in their previous three games — all defeats.

Hertha remains the prime candidate for relegation. It’s bottom of the league and six points from the relegation playoff spot.

Bayern dominated the first half as expected but found it hard to break through the visitors’ hard-working defense.

Gnabry had the best chance saved by Christensen and Sadio Mané was unable to reach a couple of promising crosses from the lively Coman.

Bayern had 14 attempts compared to Hertha’s one, but there were whistles at halftime from many of the home fans, who expected a better return.

Highly rated teenager Ibrahim Maza made his Hertha debut in the 65th, but it was another forward who scored at the other end four minutes later and Bayern had its breakthrough.

“German champion will only be FCB (FC Bayern),” the home fans sang with the players afterward.

WIND ENDS DROUGHT

Danish striker Jonas Wind scored twice as Wolfsburg beat Mainz 3-0 to end the visitors’ 10-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga.

Wind ended an 11-game scoring drought with his first goal since January in the fifth minute, then grabbed another in the 28th after Sebastiaan Bornauw had made it 2-0.

The win lifted Wolfsburg one point above Mainz into seventh place.