BERLIN Schalke 04 moved closer to their first German title in 43 years when they scored two late goals to beat Hertha Berlin 3-1 on Saturday.

The Gelsenkirchen Club, who claimed the last of their seven Bundesliga crowns in 1958, stayed two points ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich with four games remaining.

Defending champions Bayern, who were deposed as leaders by Schalke last weekend, had earlier revived their campaign with a 2-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Germany midfielder Sebastian Deisler gave visitors Hertha a 1-0 lead over Schalke by scoring from close range against the run of play in the 34th minute.

But Schalke, cheered on by 55,000 fans, equalized courtesy of a free-kick from midfielder Joerg Boehme in the 56th minute before going in the lead through Dutch defender Marco van Hoogdalem in the 79th minute, Reuters reported.

Belgian international striker Emile Mpenza sealed the home side's win with four minutes left.

Fifth-placed Hertha, who seriously undermined their chances by falling six points behind Schalke, had missed a penalty in the sixth minute, goalkeeper Oliver Reck saving an effort from Brazilian striker Alex Alves.