Bayern continue to race with Dortmund

Stuttgart are fourth from the bottom, but there is no sign of their lack of confidence against the defending champions. Coach Bruno Labbadia's team played aggressive and risky, pressing Bayern in the early stages.

Bayern started to put pressure in the middle of the first half. Goalkeeper Fabian Bredlow repeatedly had to save Stuttgart after Joshua Kimmich's long shot and Leon Goretzka's header. In the 39th minute, he had to surrender to De Ligt's 25m shot.

This is the Dutch midfielder's second goal in 20 Bundesliga matches. With a pass to De Ligt, Jamal Musiala has eight assists in the Bundesliga this season.

The match continued to be lively after the break. Stuttgart was consistent with the double attack, but Bayern's solution was not difficult. In the 62nd minute, the away team increased the score to 2-0. Thomas Muller sent a shot to the right of the box, creating the perfect opportunity for Choupo-Moting to hit the near post.

This is Muller's third assist in Bayern's last four goals in the Bundesliga. The German striker still proves effective at the age of 33.

Bayern maintained certainty until 88 minutes, when Juan Jose Perea headed back after Tiago Tomas' cross from the left to shorten the score to 1-2. Stuttgart nearly equalized if Tanguy Coulibaly didn't head off the post in offset time.

After the victory over Stuttgart, Bayern returned to the top of the Bundesliga with 49 points. The defending champions are equal on points with second-placed Dortmund, but by a difference of +44 compared to +19.

In the 23rd round, the third-placed team Union Berlin lost their breath when they drew Cologne 0-0 at home. Union Berlin owns 44 points, five points behind the two leading teams.