BERLIN (AP) — Bastian Schweinsteiger scored with 10 minutes remaining for Bayern Munich to beat Hertha Berlin 1-0 and move even closer to the Bundesliga title on Saturday.
Mitchell Weiser eluded four Hertha defenders and cut the ball back for Schweinsteiger to score with a fine strike to the top corner.
Bayern will claim its 25th German title on Sunday if second-place Wolfsburg fails to beat Borussia Moenchengladbach away.
Despite dominating possession, Bayern struggled to create chances in an uneventful first half.
The best chance fell to Nico Schulz early in the second, but the Hertha midfielder was denied by Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in a one-on-one situation.
Bayern increased the pressure in the final 15 minutes, with Robert Lewandowski forcing a smart save from reserve Hertha ‘keeper Sascha Burchert and Schweinsteiger hitting the post before Weiser’s decisive run.
“I think it’s a deserved win for Bayern. Compliments on the German championship,” Hertha coach Pal Dardai said.
The 18-year-old Sinan Kurt played the second half in his competitive debut for Bayern.
“We have to get through the next couple of weeks. We had a lot of injuries, not many breaks, it’s not easy. Every game is incredibly important now,” Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said.
Bayern next has a home semifinal against Borussia Dortmund in the German Cup on Tuesday. Two games against Barcelona await Guardiola’s team in the Champions League semifinals.