Lincoln strike gives Schalke victory over Bayern

Schalke 04 grabbed a precious 1-0 win at home to Bayern Munich yesterday to move three points clear of their rivals at the top of the Bundesliga.

Brazilian midfielder Lincoln made the breakthrough in the 69th minute.

He swept a free-kick past Oliver Kahn and Schalke held on comfortably against a Bayern side that tired noticeably in the second half.

The result took Schalke above Bayern and into top spot with 53 points from 25 games.

Bayern have 50 points in second place, with VfB Stuttgart climbing to third on 45 points after they won 2-0 at Borussia Dortmund yesterday despite playing almost the entire second half with 10 men after Fernando Meira was sent off in the 48th minute.

With nine games to play there is plenty of time for Bayern to catch up but Schalke, who do not have the distraction of a European campaign, will now be the clear title favourites.

Bayern are in the Champions League quarter-finals.