Bayern Munich extended their lead at the top of the Bundesliga by 10 points, after beating Borussia Monchengladbach at Borussia-Park on Friday.
Mario Gotze had the first real chance of the game when the former Borussia Dortmund player flicked a pass from Thomas Mueller over the defence, before firing a shot against the post at the far corner in the sixth minute.
The two combined well once more, just a minute later and Gotze was able to break the deadlock this time with a clinical finish after being picked out by Mueller’s pass from the right.
Pep Guardiola’s men then almost doubled their lead in the 13th minute when right back Rafinha struck a powerful long range effort which was well saved by Ter Stegen; the Gladbach shot-stopper parried the ball out for a corner at full-stretch.
The side currently in fourth place in the Bundesliga then pushed forward in search of an equaliser and Manuel Neuer had to be at his best to keep Bayern a goal ahead going into the first-half break.
Neuer first denied a stinging left-footed effort from Arango before tipping a fearsome strike from striker Kruse onto the post.
The Bundesliga champions then doubled their lead with just eight minutes played in the second period from the penalty spot at Borussia-Park.
Pep’s men were awarded the spot-kick after Xhaka was adjudged to have handled a rebound from a Thiago shot which was saved by Per Steggen.
Mueller stepped up and blasted the penalty straight down the middle making it 2-0 to the visitors.
Gladbach’s winger Herman then had two glorious chances to claw the home side back in the game, but the wide-man first struck the woodwork with his 64th minute close range-effort, before scuffing an easier chance a few minutes later.
Bayern continued their incredible run after the winter break taking them 10 points clear of second-placed Bayer Leverkusen.