体坛英语新闻：Hoffenheim, Dortmund qualify for UEFA Champions League

BERLIN, May 12 (Xinhua) -- Hoffenheim moved 3-1 past Borussia Dortmund to ensure a berth in Europe's elite competition following the last round of the 55th Bundesliga season on Saturday.

The "BVB" ensured a lively start into the encounter and kept Hoffenheim's defence busy, as Raphael Guerreiro was a threat in the opening period.

Nevertheless, the opener was scored at the other end of the pitch as Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Buerki invited Hoffenheim with a poor clearance, allowing Andrej Kramaric to open the scoring in the 26th minute.

The visitors should have restored parity moments later but Andre Schuerrle were unable to hit the target with just goalkeeper Oliver Baumann to beat.

Dortmund remained on the front foot after the interval as Marco Reus tested Baumann. The German international remained in the thick of things as he equalized the scores from very close range in the 58th minute.

The hosts remained unimpressed though as Adam Szalai restored the one-goal lead after chipping the ball over onrushing custodian Buerki five minutes later.

Julian Nagelsmann's gained momentum and added another goal to their lead as Pavel Kaderabek volleyed home to make it 4-1 in the closing period.

With the result, both sides exchange their positions. Hoffenheim move on the 3rd place whereas Dortmund slipped to the 4th position.

Elsewhere, Lucas Alario's brace helped fifth placed Bayer Leverkusen to beat newly promoted Hannover 3-2 and to ensure a berth in UEFA Europa League.

Sixth placed Leipzig cruised 6-2 past hapless Hertha Berlin to book their ticket for next season's Europa League.

Newly promoted Stuttgart spoiled Bayern Munich's title party and Jupp Heynckes' final game as the "Swabians" crushed the newly crowned German giants 4-1 on the road.

Runner up Schalke rounded off their season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Werder Bremen came from behind to beat Mainz 2-1 and Freiburg maintain their top flight status after downing Augsburg 2-0 at the last round of the 55th Bundesliga season.