FC Bayern München missed the chance to open up a six-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga after losing 2-1 at Hannover 96, as FC Schalke 04 climbed into third spot with a win at Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Hannover's Mohammed Abdellaoue opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 23 minutes before Jérôme Boateng saw red for the visitors. Christian Pander doubled the hosts' lead five minutes after the break, but they lost their numerical advantage when Steven Cherundolo was dismissed just past the hour. Substitute David Alaba gave Bayern a lifeline with seven minutes remaining, yet Hannover held on to move up to fourth, four points adrift of their opponents.

In the day's other game, Jefferson Farfán's 82nd-minute strike earned Schalke a 1-0 victory at Leverkusen and lifted Huub Stevens' side within four points of the summit, while their hosts sit ninth.