Ballack puts Bayern in the clear

By Mark Bennett

Michael Ballack's late goal ensured FC Bayern München moved three points clear at the top of the Bundesliga with a 2-1 victory against VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach. Felix Magath's side took full advantage after a Kevin Kuranyi hat-trick helped VfB Stuttgart to a 3-0 win over second-placed FC Schalke 04.

Ulich opener
Bayern lacked inspiration at the Olympiastadion and Mönchengladbach punished the UEFA Champions League contenders for a below-par performance 20 minutes into the second half when Ivo Ulich opened the scoring.

Scholl levels
Bayern, however, bounced back immediately with Mehmet Scholl equalising only seconds later. Three minutes after that, Craig Moore was sent off and Ballack cashed in on the numerical advantage by getting the winner six minutes from time.

Bordon blunder
Bayern's victory was a terrible blow for Schalke who dropped off the pace with defeat away to Stuttgart. Kuranyi, who had failed to score in six matches for Stuttgart, opened his account on 15 minutes when Marcelo Bordon failed to deal with a Christian Tiffert cross. Two minutes into the second half Andreas Hinkel picked out Kuranyi in the penalty area and the German international headed past Frank Rost.

Lincoln off
On 63 minutes the 23-year-old struck again to complete his hat-trick, and a miserable afternoon was compounded for Schalke when Lincoln was sent off late on. Stuttgart remain third despite winning but have closed the gap on Ralf Rangnick's side to two points.

Bremen win
SV Werder Bremen hung on to fourth with a 2-1 derby win away to Hamburger SV. Mehdi Mahdavikia cancelled out Mirosloav Klose's opening strike early in the second half but Ivan Klasnic made sure of the points for Werder with the winner 20 minutes from time.

Marcelinho magic
Hertha BSC Berlin strengthened their grip on possible UEFA Cup berths with a 3-1 win against SC Freiburg. Marcelinho gave the hosts the lead by chipping Richard Golz from 48 metres on six minutes before adding a second from the penalty spot 15 minutes later. Samuel Koejoe managed to pull a goal back for Freiburg after the break but Niko Kovac struck late as Berlin won comfortably.

Leverkusen hopes dented
Bayer 04 Leverkusen's hopes of qualifying for Europe were dealt a further blow by BV Borussia Dortmund, Sebastian Kehl getting the only goal of the game. VfL Bochum 1848 beat Hannover 96 1-0 and VfL Wolfsburg won 2-0 at 1. FSV Mainz 05.