Bayern Munich established a virtually unassailable lead at the top of the Bundesliga with their 1-0 victory over Hertha Berlin.
Bastian Schweinsteiger broke Hertha's resistance after 80 minutes at the Allianz Arena to send Bayern 15 points clear of second-placed Wolfsburg at the top.
Wolfsburg have as many points left to play for, but Munich's goal difference, superior by 32, means that they can comfortably celebrate defending their title.
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Pep Guardiola's side put six past Porto to reach the Champions League semi-finals in midweek, but were not as clinical this evening as they struggled to make the most of their 75% possession in the first half.
Thomas Muller wasted their best chance before the break when he headed wide from 12 yards having been found unmarked by Sebastian Rode, and also took on a 20-yard shot which was saved by Sascha Burchert.
Hertha failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, but did threaten when Valentin Stocker nearly tapped home at the far post on nine minutes.
They had their best spell shortly after the interval, with Stocker and Nico Schulz forcing saves out of Manuel Neuer.
With the likes of Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski stifled, Schweinsteiger took on the attacking onus and nearly put the hosts ahead when he headed a cross against the post on 79 minutes.
Less than 60 seconds later he had scored the only goal of the game as Mitchell Weiser embarked on a determined run down the right flank and cut back for the German World Cup winner to find the bottom corner.
Following the result, Hertha are six points above the relegation playoff place with four games left to play.
Joe Fish
