Bayern Munich have restored their seven-point advantage at the top of the Bundesliga with a 1-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the Allianz Arena.
Predictably, it was Bayern who dominated possession from the first whistle, but Leverkusen looked threatening on the break due to the pace of the lively Karim Bellarabi.
Chances were rare in a tight opening 45 minutes, with Bellarabi sending his side's best opportunity wide when he unleashed a shot from 25 yards.
The home supporters were left frustrated by Bayern's lack of a cutting edge in the final third of the pitch in the first half, but it was Pep Guardiola's men who broke the deadlock after the break.
Bayern created space with a short corner routine which brought about the first goal, as Xabi Alonso met a cross with a cushioned header into the path of Franck Ribery, who fired the ball past Bernd Leno.
Ribery's goal handed control to Bayern, and they came close to doubling their advantage moments later when Leno pushed Arjen Robben's shot to safety.
Robert Lewandowski then forced his way into the box to find space before dragging an effort just past the post, with Leno looking powerless in the visiting goal.
Leverkusen came back into the match as the second half progressed, but a stubborn defensive display from the champions made an equaliser look unlikely.
The closing stages were surprisingly comfortable for Bayern as they cruised to all three points to move further clear of their nearest rivals at the top of the table.
Callum Mulvihill
