Germany
For more than 10 years, when Bayern Munich played Bayer Leverkusen the Bundesliga title was on the line.
But on Saturday, Bayern blasted Leverkusen 3-0 for the second time in a week and the old rival was demoted to just another overmatched opponent as the club marched relentlessly to an 18th title.
Bayern moved 13 points clear with 10 rounds to play in a match that was over after less than 120 seconds. Giovane Elber, who scored twice himself, whipped a through pass to Claudio Pizarro for the first goal.
Pizarro, on the run, rifled a powerful shot that bounced over goalie Hans-Joerg Butt's raised hands and headed into the goal.
"Our entire concept was thrown overboard in just two minutes," said Leverkusen coach Thomas Hoerster. "We should just be happy Bayern played for the result and didn't go full power."
The Netherlands
Ajax striking prodigy Rafael van der Vaart, who has been absent due to injury since Dec. 7, scored two goals Saturday as Ajax slaughtered lowly FC Zwolle 5-0 in the Dutch league.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic also netted twice, easing the pressure on Ajax coach Ronald Koeman since the departure of Ahmed "Mido" Hossam. The fifth was an Albert van der Haar own-goal.
Leader PSV Eindhoven maintained its seven-point cushion over the Amsterdammers by edging NEC Nijmegen 2-1 thanks to Mateja Kezman's penalty and Mark van Bommel's winner.
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