Hamburg, Wolfsburg’s relegation scrap postponed to final day
BERLIN (AP) Postponed. Hamburger SV's and Wolfsburg's scrap for Bundesliga survival will be decided on the final day after both fell to heavy defeats in the penultimate round on Saturday.
Hamburg, the only ever-present in the league since its formation in 1963, lost at Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 and would have been demoted for the first time had Wolfsburg not fallen in Leipzig 4-1.
Wolfsburg remained in the relegation playoff place - two points above Hamburg in an automatic relegation spot - ahead of their final games next Saturday.
Wolfsburg will host already-relegated Cologne, while Hamburg's hopes of survival depend on beating Borussia Moenchengladbach and a favor from Cologne.
''Wolfsburg has the better chances but we're not giving up,'' Hamburg midfielder Aaron Hunt said.
Mainz secured its survival with a 2-1 win at Borussia Dortmund, which missed the chance to consolidate third place and secure Champions League qualification.
Freiburg ensured it cannot finish in an automatic relegation place, despite losing at Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-1.
Schalke secured second place beating Augsburg 2-1.
Bayern Munich, which wrapped up the title with five games to play, came from behind to win in Cologne 3-1.
Bayer Leverkusen ensured the fight for the last Champions League qualification place will go to the final day after drawing at Werder Bremen 0-0. Fifth-place Leverkusen is level on points with Hoffenheim, ahead on goal difference after losing at Stuttgart 2-0. Mario Gomez boosted his World Cup chances with two goals for Stuttgart.
Also, Hannover defeated Hertha Berlin 3-1.
DORTMUND BLOWS CHANCE
Dortmund could have secured Champions League football next season against Mainz but instead faces a direct duel at Hoffenheim.
Leverkusen could squeeze through on goal difference at Dortmund's expense with a big win over Hannover if Hoffenheim beats Dortmund.
''If you want to reach the Champions League, you have to play like Mainz did today,'' Peter Stoeger said after what was likely his last home game as Dortmund coach. The club has yet to announce a decision on who will take over next season, with Nice coach Lucien Favre reportedly favored.
LEWANDOWSKI'S SNUB
Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski took his tally to a league-leading 29 goals in Cologne, but the Poland striker was unhappy to be subbed off and he refused to acknowledge coach Jupp Heynckes as he left the pitch.
Heynckes, who defended Lewandowski from criticism for failing to score in the Champions League semifinals against Real Madrid, sent on Sandro Wagner for the last 15 minutes.
