Germany international Max Kruse played a key role in Borussia Mönchengladbach's 3-0 victory over Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Bundesliga matchday 32. The Foals are now in second place at least until Sunday, when VfL Wolfsburg play away to SC Paderborn. Leverkusen on the other hand suffered a set-back in their quest to secure a direct Champions League qualifying spot. Borussia Dortmund on are edging closer to securing a ticket for next season's Europa League, following a 2-0 victory over Hertha. The same applies to FC Augsburg, who landed a 1-0 victory on the road against champions FC Bayern.
At the other end of the standings, Hannover are still waiting for their first win in 2015 after a 1-1 home draw with Werder Bremen and Eintracht Frankfurt are no longer a relegation candidate after their 3-1 victory against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.
Kruse breaks deadlock
Leverkusen were in charge early on against Gladbach but the hosts gradually found their rhythm and began to create chances. Five minutes after the restart, Kruse broke the deadlock. Herrmann doubled their lead with less than ten minutes left to play and Ibrahima Traore made it 3-0 in the 88th minute.
World Champion Erik Durm was on target for Borussia Dortmund in his 100th appearance as a professional, bagging the final goal in BVB's 2-0 victory over Hertha. Neven Subotic had fired Dortmund into an early lead, before Durm fired home shortly after the break. Dortmund are now just two points behind sixth place.
Augsburg climb into fifth
Raul Bobadilla scored the winner for Augsburg in Munich, as FCA secured a vital victory in their bid to qualify for Europe. FC Bayern, who have already secured the title, were reduced to ten men after Pepe Reina had brought down Bobadilla inside the area. Augsburg skipper Paul Verhaegh failed to convert from the spot however, only hitting the post. With less than 20 minutes left to play, Bobadilla cheekily opened the scoring, which secured a rare victory for Augsburg in Bavaria's capital.
Hannover's poor run of results continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Werder Bremen. They controlled the first half and fully deserved their 1-0 lead at half time, given to them thanks to a goal by skipper Lars Stindl. However, another free kick from Zlatko Junuzovic denied Hannover the victory, as they continue to wait for their first win since the winter break.
Eintracht Frankfurt will no longer have to fear relegation following a comfortable 3-1 victory against Hoffenheim. Bastian Oczipka, Haris Seferovic and Timmothy Chandler were on target in the opening 45 minutes, giving Frankfurt a three goal lead at the break. Germany U21 international Kevin Volland's goal for Hoffenheim at the start of the second half was only a consolation in the end.