Hamburg  - Felix Magath is not being fooled by the premature congratulations as he stands on the verge of an historic German league title with VfL Wolfsburg.

Only a point probably now stands between a first title of any sort for the Volkswagen-backed club following Saturday's results in which the Wolves impressively took Hanover apart in a 5-0 away victory.

"I have also congratulated people in advance in the past but always in the hope that something would happen," he told DSF television Sunday.

"Unfortunately there is always the danger that you underestimate the situation, and there may also be some people at this club who think it is all wrapped up.

"I have been in this business long enough to know that if you start celebrating beforehand you can end up crying afterwards."

Wolfsburg, who have dropped only a point at home all season, will clinch the Bundesliga title with a draw on Saturday in the Volkswagen Arena against Werder Bremen, who on Wednesday are competing in the UEFA Cup final against Shakhtar Donetsk in Istanbul.

Theoretically Bayern Munich could still overtake, but they would need at least a seven-goal victory over VfB Stuttgart. Both Bayern and Stuttgart could become champions if either of them win and Wolfsburg lose.

Bayern, after only drawing 2-2 at Hoffenheim, are now officially dismissing their title chances, saying their chief concern is securing second place and direct Champions League qualification.

All the same the defending champions know know only too well that they are capable of upsetting the odds on the last day of the season. - as they did, for example, in 2000 and 2001 when both Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke 04 thought they had their hands on the trophy.

"The situation is similar to the year 2000 (when Bayern overtook Leverkusen on the last day), but I don't believe Wolfsburg will throw it away now," chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

It was now "extremely important we qualify for the Champions League, both in terms of our finances and our image. We must hold onto second place."

General manager Uli Hoeness told ZDF sport show Saturday evening: "We are now looking only at VfB Stuttgart. What happens in Wolfsburg is irrelevant.

"We have to concentrate solely on our direct rival for second place. Thank goodness we have it in our own hands. With a win we are absolutely certain of second place.

"It will be a game of nerves. Both teams can be German champions, both can qualify directly for the Champions League in second place, but both are in danger of falling back to fourth place - and that would be fatal."

Hertha Berlin's title dreams meanwhile vanished after a disappointing goalless draw at home to Schalke, but a place in Europe next season is assured - either in the Europa Cup or the Champions League qualification stage.

Magath, who will be leaving Wolfsburg for Schalke at the end of the season, is hoping for a third Bundesliga title as coach (he won three titles as a player with SV Hamburg) after twice winning the league and cup double with Bayern.

"I think we have deserved it. We have played the best football over the season," he said.

The lack of a balcony at the town hall for the team to celebrate won't dampen celebrations in Wolfsburg who are planning a "fan mile" for supporters to cheer on the team.

In any case the German Football League will have the "salad bowl" trophy in the Volkswagen Arena on Saturday - with a copy in Munich just in case. (dpa)