Bayern extend lead to 15 points

Bayern Munich have stretched their lead at the top of the Bundesliga to 15 points with a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Schalke at home.

A David Alaba brace and a goal apiece from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gomez saw the Bavarian giants increase their tally to 54 points from 21 matches.

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The hosts were always in control of the match and went ahead after 19 minutes from the penalty spot.

Marco Hoger brought down Franck Ribery inside the Schalke box, and Alaba made no mistake from 12 yards.

Schweinsteiger doubled Bayern's advantage at the Allianz Arena on 32 minutes with a direct curling free kick.

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Alaba made it 3-0 to the league leaders six minutes into the second half, shooting home after being teed up by Gomez.

Gomez himself scored Bayern's fourth goal of the evening on 63 minutes when he smashed the ball home after being unselfishly set up by Arjen Robben.