Robert Lewandowski, the Bundesliga’s top scorer, scored twice including a second-half penalty to lead Bayern Munich to a decisive 3-2 win over title rivals Borussia Düsseldorf. This gave him a four point lead at the top.
After Dortmund took an early lead through Julian Brandt in the ninth minute, the Pole scored his first goal to equalize the score. He then converted a spot-kick in the 77th minute to secure victory with his 16th goal of this campaign and his 40th of the year.
Bayern had been led by Kingsley Coman just before the break, but Erling Haaland scored a stunningly curled goal in the 48th to equalize for the hosts.
After the penalty decision, Dortmund coach Marco Rose was given a second booking for disobedience.
Bayern, who are chasing a record-breaking 10th league title, has moved up to 34 points with a sixth consecutive league win over their opponents. Dortmund is now in second on 30. Bayer Leverkusen are third, having defeated Greuther Furth 7-1.