Bundesliga: Bayern Munich Crush Schalke 04 To Extend Lead At The Top

Bayern Munich showcased their title credentials with a resounding 6-0 victory at home against struggling Schalke on Saturday, extending their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table to four points.

The win puts the pressure on Borussia Dortmund, who were set to play Borussia Moenchengladbach in the late game and had the opportunity to close the gap to one point with two games remaining.

Thomas Mueller, Bayern's veteran captain, returned to the starting lineup after being on the bench for the team's last two matches. He wasted no time making an impact, opening the scoring after 21 minutes to end his eight-match goal drought. Joshua Kimmich doubled Bayern's lead shortly after, converting a penalty despite losing his footing in the process.

Any hopes of a Schalke comeback were quickly extinguished in the second half. Serge Gnabry netted his third consecutive goal for Bayern, receiving a pass from Joao Cancelo and smashing the ball into the near post. Gnabry added another goal later in the second half, while French teenager Mathys Tel and Noussair Mazraoui also got on the scoresheet, securing Bayern's path to their 11th straight Bundesliga title.

The defeat leaves Schalke in the relegation playoff spot with three games remaining. Despite their recent win against Mainz, Schalke's position in the league remains precarious.