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Bayern Munich increase lead at the top as Martinez breaks Schalke spirit

Bayern Munich opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga thanks to a 3-1 win at Schalke on Saturday evening.

David Alaba put Pep Guardiola's men in front after nine minutes but Max Meyer levelled for the hosts, who ended the first half strongly.

Javi Martinez restored Bayern's lead midway through the second half and there was only going to be one winner from that point, with Thomas Muller sealing the victory in stoppage time.

Schalke packed men behind the ball and frustrated their opponents until a stroke of luck allowed Bayern to take the lead.

Joel Matip's clearance went straight to Alaba, whose shot took a wicked deflection off Leon Goretzka on its way past Ralf Fahrmann.

The goal did not bring Schalke out of their shells, but saw them retreat even further as they waited for rare chances on the counterattack.

Those were proving hard to come by until Leroy Sane picked up the ball deep in his own half and set off on a run forward, feeding Meyer who left Philipp Lahm stranded and beat Manuel Neuer.

Schalke took confidence from the goal and the game opened up, with chances at both ends.

Robert Lewandowski tested Fahrmann and Meyer was denied by Lahm, who made up for his earlier mistake.

The chances continued to be shared evenly between the two sides before, midway through the second half, Martinez restored Bayern's lead.

Arjen Robben received the ball out wide from Douglas Costa, and his cross was headed in by the Spaniard.

This time, Schalke's heads dropped and they could find no route back into the game.

Heading into the final minute, Lewandowski was put clean through, but his shot hit the post with Fahrmann beaten.

Schalke's defence was caught napping again in time added on and Muller punished them, sending his shot into the corner.