Schalke, Hamburg win in Bundesliga

Guido Burgstaller's brace helped Schalke down Augsburg 3-0 while Hamburg edged Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 owing to Bobby Wood's late winner in the 24th round of the Bundesliga football league.

Hosts Schalke on Sunday scored all their three goals in the first half. Augusburg had the chance to reduce the arrears but they squandered a penalty, reports Xinhua news agency.

Schalke ensured a bright start into the encounter as they shocked the visitors with just four minutes into the game when Burgstaller tapped in the opener from very close range following a corner.

Schalke piled on the pressure and doubled the lead at the half-hour mark as Burgstaller finished off the build-up work from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to seal his brace after beating goalkeeper Marwin Hitz.

Augsburg had the golden chance to reduce the arrears as Schalke defender Benedikt Hoewedes fouled Raul Bobadilla inside the box. Paul Verhaegh stepped up to convert the penalty but Schalke custodian Ralf Faehrmann defused the shot from the spot.

Markus Weinzierl's men sealed the deal with 34 minutes played after Daniel Caligiuri capitalised on a pinpoint cross from Sead Kolasinac to slot home the 3-0 lead.

Both sides staged an evenly balanced second half in which both teams had their chances. However, Schalke remained dangerous on fast breaks and they should have extended the lead but Augsburg goalkeeper Hitz saved Max Meyer's effort.

With the result, Schalke returned to winning ways and climb on the 11th place while Augsburg dropped to the 13th position of the standings.

Elsewhere, Hamburg reaped their second win in a row after bouncing back from one goal down to turn the tides to a 2-1 victory.

Andreas Christensen broke the deadlock for Monchengladbach in the 22nd minute before Hamburg's Filip Kostic levelled the scores with a header in the 36th minute.

Hamburg had the last laugh as Bobby Wood marked the decider following an assist from Kostic in the 80th minute.

Despite the victory, Hamburg remain on the 15th place, which is a relegation play-off spot, while Monchengladbach remain at the ninth position after suffering the 10th loss of the season.

--IANS

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