Record-equalling Harry Kane leads below-par Bayern Munich to Gladbach win as champions keep pace with Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen ahead of Bundesliga title showdown

The visitors broke the deadlock after a tight first half, Nico Elvedi finishing a well-constructed counter-attacking move. Bayern responded before the break, though, as teenager Aleksandar Pavlovic found the bottom corner from inside the box. Kane grabbed Bayern's second with 20 minutes remaining, nodding into an open net after a blunder from Moritz Nicolas, before Matthijs de Ligt added a late third to cap off a 3-1 win.

Kane continued his record-breaking season in Saturday's contest. His goal here was his 24th of the season, matching Luca Toni for the most in a Bundesliga debut campaign.

Another week, another goal from Kane. This was a signature performance from the England captain. He was involved in every phase of play, dropping deep at times, running off the last man when he needed to as well. Although his goal wasn't the most difficult - a blunder from Moritz Nicolas effectively handed him an open net - it proved to be crucial in deciding the contest. What would Bayern do without him?

Bayer Leverkusen fansmay have thought they were set up for a dream afternoon. For long stretches, the hosts lacked their usual incisive quality, and seemed to be heading for a disappointing result. That would have certainly alleviated some pressure on next week's contest. Instead, it'll be as intense as expected, with Bayern just two points behind in the title race.

For all of its importance, Saturday's fixture felt like something of a warm up. The Bavarians take on league-leading Bayer Leverkusen, who beat lowly Darmstadt 2-0, next week in what could well be key in deciding who lifts the Bundesliga trophy at the end of the season.