Bayern Munich went three points clear at the top of the German league yesterday after coming from behind as Mario Gomez struck twice in the 2-1 win at 10-man Stuttgart.

After both defending champions Borussia Dortmund and Schalke had earlier drawn level with Bayern at the top, Munich re-opened a comfortable lead as Gomez claimed his 14th and 15th league goals of the season.

Stuttgart went ahead after Christian Gentner came onto a header from Martin Harnik at pace and his volley flew past goalkeeper Manuel Neuer on six minutes.

Bayern drew level seven minutes later when right-back Rafinha swung in a cross, which took a slight deflection and Gomez fired home from the tightest of angles.

To compound Stuttgart’s misery, the hosts then had defender Cristian Molinaro sent off after 29 minutes for tackling Bayern’s Dutch winger Arjen Robben from behind for the second time, just five minutes after earning his first yellow card.

Bayern took the lead when Philipp Lahm’s pass found Gomez who rifled home his 15th league goal in as many German league games on 57 minutes.

Earlier, Japan winger Shinji Kagawa’s first-half strike was not enough to give Borussia Dortmund three points as the defending champions were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Kaiserslautern.

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