Martinez scores rare goal as Bayern defeat Schalke

Javi Martinez scored his first goal in two years as Bayern Munich beat Schalke 3-1 to move eight points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table.

Pep Guardiola’s side made a dominant start to the game but needed a huge slice of luck to take the lead when David Alaba’s drive from the edge of the area took a wicked deflection off Leon Goretzka and looped into the net.

But Bayern’s lead lasted just eight minutes after Leroy Sane went on a brilliant run to set up Max Mayer whose low effort beat the desperate dive of Manuel Neuer.

The game looked to be heading to a frustrating draw for the reigning champions until Arjen Robben crossed for an unmarked Martinez to head the ball in from close range.

Guardiola’s side continued to dominate and after Robert Lewandowski had struck the post, they wrapped up victory when Thomas Muller fired the ball in from inside the box to seal victory.

"It was difficult to win here tonight," Bayern coach Guardiola said.

"Schalke's five-man defence made it hard, they were quick in the central defence. But we did it and I have to compliment my players for their work."

9’ – GOAL! Schalke 0-1 Bayern: Costa takes the corner early, the ball falls to Alaba whose deflected drive hits Goretzka and loops in.

17’ - GOAL! Schalke 1-1 Bayern: Meyer fires Schalke level with a low shot from just inside the area that Neuer should have saved after a brilliant run by Sane.

29’ – LEWANDOWSKI SHOT: Lewandowski's low shot from 25 yards is only parried by the keeper but Neustadter is there to clear the danger.

56’ – SANE SHOT: Aogo crosses the ball on the overlap towards Huntelaar, it falls to Sane who cuts inside but his shot is well wide from a tight angle.

65’ – ROBBEN CHANCE: Muller threads the ball to Robben whose low shot is brilliantly blocked by Aogo for a corner

69’ - GOAL! Schalke 1-2 Bayern: Martinez in acres of space heads the ball in from eight yards out after meeting Robben's cross from the right.

71’ – LAHM EFFORT: A sweeping Bayern move results in Lahm cutting inside and forcing the keeper into a good save with a low drive from a tight angle.

88’ – MATIP MISS: Matip loops the ball over the bar with only Neuer to beat after a brilliant flick-on by Reese, what a chance.

90’ – WOODWORK: Lewandowski runs onto Vidal's through ball and strikes the post with a low effort, so close.

90’+2 - GOAL! Schalke 1-2 Bayern. Muller slams in the ball from 10 yards out to wrap up victory after a deft flick from Kimmich.

Schalke have not beaten Bayern Munich since 2010.

Max Meyer scored on his 75th Bundesliga appearance for Schalke.

Bayern are unbeaten in their last 13 games.

Javi Martinez scored his first Bundesliga goal since the 2012-13 season.

Can Bayern Munich be caught in the title race? The Bavarians are already eight points clear at the top after Dortmund's shock defeat to Hamburg. Pep Guardiola's side look light years ahead of their rivals like Dortmund and Wolfsburg and some would argue they have sown up the title ready. They were far from their best against Schalke but went up the gears when needed and never panicked after Max Meyer had levelled the scores.

Leroy Sane (Schalke): The winger, a reported target for Liverpool and Manchester United, underlined his class with an impressive display. His assist for the goal was brilliant as he flicked the ball over his shoulder and burst through the Bayern defence to set up Max Meyer. He came close to scoring after the break and is a youngster Schalke will be keen to keep hold off.

Schalke: Fahrmann 5, Howedes 5, Meyer 7, Goretzka 7, Aogo 6, Sane 8, Hojbjerg 6, Huntelaar 4, Riether 5, Matip 5, Neustadter 5. Subs: Choupo-Moting 5, Reese 6.

Bayern Munich: Neuer 5, Benatia 5, Martinez 7, Lewandowski 6, Robben 6, Costa 6, Alonso 5, Lahm 6, Vidal 4, Müller 6, Alaba 7. Subs: Boateng 5, Kimmich 6.