Thomas Mueller (#25) of Bayern Munich reacts after a goal scored by Mainz during their Bundesliga match in Mainz, Germany, April 24, 2021. /CFP
Bayern Munich blew the chance to clinch the Bundesliga title on Saturday as the club world champions crashed to a 2-1 defeat away to Mainz.
Victory at Mainz, where Bayern last lost nearly a decade ago, would have secured a ninth successive German title for Hansi Flick's side.
First-half goals by Jonathan Burkardt and Robin Quaison sealed Mainz's third straight win, pulling them away from the relegation fight and forcing Bayern to wait to be crowned champions.
On his return from a knee injury, Bayern striker Robert Lewandowski scored just before the final whistle to leave him four short of Gerd Mueller's all-time record of 40 Bundesliga goals in a season.
Timo Werner of Chelsea celebrates after scoring a goal against West Ham United during their Premier League match in London, England, April 24, 2021. /CFP
In the English Premier League, Chelsea took control of the battle to secure Champions League football next season as Timo Werner's goal earned a 1-0 win over West Ham on Saturday, while Liverpool conceded a stoppage time equalizer to draw 1-1 with Newcastle.
After a week dominated by England's "big six" aiming to guarantee top level European football every season via a breakaway European Super League (ESL), Chelsea and Liverpool turned their attentions to trying to earn a top-four Premier League finish on the field.
Liverpool's Egyptian midfielder Mohamed Salah (3rd R) scores the opening goal against Newcastle United during their Premier League match in Liverpool, England, April 24, 2021. /CFP
Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham were the other four English clubs involved in proposals for the ESL, which collapsed within 48 hours of its launch after a furious backlash from governments, governing bodies, players and fans.
The Blues are now in pole position as just a second Premier League goal in 22 games for Werner opened up a three-point advantage over the Hammers in fifth.
(With input from AFP)