Toni brace puts Bayern nearer to title

BERLIN: Bayern Munich's Italian World Cup winner Luca Toni struck twice as the German giant went seven points clear at the top of the Bundesliga with a 2-1 win over title rival Bayer Leverkusen.

With nine rounds of the Bundesliga left, Bayern looks like a good bet to pick up its 21st crown as German champion.

Bayern took an early lead on 17 minutes as Germany forward Miroslav Klose passed back into the five-yard box for Toni to rifle home his 15th league goal of the season. And Toni struck again on 59 minutes to put the game beyond doubt when he headed home defender Philipp Lahm's spectacular cross to put him on 26 goals for the season in all competitions.