Bayern held as Bremen fall

FC Bayern München extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga despite failing to beat struggling MSV Duisburg at home as second-placed Werder Bremen lost a thriller at Hannover 96.

Hanke hat-trick
While there were no goals at the Fußball Arena München, Hannover striker Mike Hanke scored three of the seven to hit the net at the AWD-Arena. Bremen took the lead through Markus Rosenberg after ten minutes but were 3-1 down eleven minutes later as Hanke struck either side of a Frank Baumann own goal. A Diego penalty reduced arrears before half-time and when Rosenberg struck again (54) Bremen looked in pole position to go on and earn maximum points. The spoils went to Hannover, though, as Hanke completed his treble in the 77th minute.

Stuttgart win
Bayern stay at the summit with 35 points from 16 games despite failing to break down the club occupying 17th spot in the Bundesliga, while Bremen are now two points adrift of the leaders. Hamburger SV, on 31 points, also dropped points as they were held to a scoreless draw by the bottom club FC Energie Cottbus, as did fifth-placed Karlsruher SC as they drew 2-2 at VfL Bochum 1848. FC Schalke 04 needed an 89th-minute leveller from defender Heiko Westermann, his second of the game, to draw at Eintracht Frankfurt and stay a point adrift of Karlsruhe, while champions VfB Stuttgart beat VfL Wolfsburg 3-1 to continue their revival.