体坛英语新闻：Bayern Munich lift 24th German Bundesliga title

BERLIN, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Bayern lift their 24th Bundesliga title as they beat Berlin 3-1 while pursuers Dortmund and Schalke shared the spoils at the opener of the 27th round on Tuesday.

Bayern Munich completed their title defence and wrapped up the Bundesliga crown of 2013-2014 in a dominant manner, as they remain undefeated in 52 matches by now. Besides that, it is the earliest title win in 51 years of Bundesliga history since the Bavarians seal the deal seven rounds ahead of the schedule.

Bayern needed a win over Berlin or a draw at the pursuer match Dortmund against Schalke. However, Bayern needed no support by their pursuers as Toni Kroos ensured the lead with just six minutes into the encounter. Kroos capitalized on a deflected cross inside the box to slot home at the back post.

The visitors continued their relentless run when Mario Goetze doubled the advantage by header at the 14th minute to put the result beyond doubt against hapless Berlin.

Despite Bayern faultless and dominant performance Berlin were able to pull one back as Rafinha pushed Adrian Ramos inside the box to cause a penalty for the home side at the 66th minute. Ramos stepped up and reduced the arrear to spark hopes.

Nevertheless, the German record champions dashed all hopes by Berlin, as Franck Ribery finished a solo run by Mario Goetze with a lob to mark the final 3-1 score at the 79th minute.

Bayern sit uncatchable on top of the table with 77 points while Berlin occupy 9th place with 36 points.

"I am delighted and satisfied. It doesn't matter if we win the title one day sooner or later. This is the product of hard work. Congratulations to all," Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said after his first Bundesliga title.

Second placed Dortmund and third placed Schalke shared the spoils at the 84th "Revierderby" after a goalless draw.

The hosts had the better opportunities but Schalke's goalkeeper Ralf Fahermann denied the home side a victory. As a consequence both sides stay on their positions. Dortmund defended their second place with 52 points followed by Schalke with 51 points.

Elsewhere, Wolfsburg earned pivotal points in their hunt for a berth in Europe when they overcame struggling Bremen 3-1 on the road. The "Wolves" recover thus from a winless streak of four matches.

Bottom side Braunschweig flabbergast seventh placed Mainz 3-1. The last positioned hosts gave away their lead at the first half but by courtesy of two second-half goals they reaped vital points for their relegation battle.

The following fixtures are scheduled for Wednesday: Augsburg see fourth placed Leverkusen, Frankfurt see Monchengladbach, relegation-threatened Nuremberg host Stuttgart, Hoffenheim meet Hannover and struggling Hamburg encounter Freiburg.