Borussia Dortmund trounced 10-man Augsburg 3-0 on Sunday to seize control of the Bundesliga championship race with one game to go. Sébastien Haller scored twice.
Haller scored in the 58th minute after Felix Uduokhai was sent off for the hosts in a scoreless first half. The attacker scored his second goal of the day to secure the game, and Julian Brandt scored in stoppage time.
Dortmund moves two points ahead of Bayern Munich, which lost 3-1 at home to RB Leipzig on Saturday.
Edin Terzic's team knows a home victory over Mainz next Saturday would guarantee their first championship since Jürgen Klopp's 2011-12 season. Bayern will hope BVB slips up in Cologne to extend their Bundesliga championship streak to 10.
“This has been the season of setbacks, not missed chances,” Terzic remarked. “The final step is now. This year is our closest yet. We will sleep six more times, accelerate, and perhaps win the Bundesliga.”
Dortmund had 16 shots on goal to Augsburg's one in a one-sided first half. Niklas Süle struck the post. In the 38th minute, Uduokhai fouled Donyell Malen, denying a clear goal-scoring chance for the hosts, who needed a victory to stay in the top flight.
After Emre Can struck the post, Haller ran around Tomas Koubek and scored off the post to calm the visitors. As Augsburg tried to respond, Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Irvin Cardona's attempt.
After being diagnosed with testicular cancer last year, Haller scored on the rebound with six minutes left to seal the win and set up a thrilling league season finale.
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