Il Nuovo Postiglione - Kane scores to help Bayern keep pace with leaders Leverkusen

Bayern stay just two points behind Xabi Alonso's unbeaten side, with the two facing off next Saturday in Leverkusen.

But while Leverkusen secured a comfortable win at last-placed Darmstadt thanks to a brace from England-born Nigeria winger Nathan Tella, Bayern were once again bailed out by Kane, who now has 24 goals in 20 league games this season.

Gladbach travelled to Munich boasting a brilliant recent record against the perennial German champions, with Bayern winning just one of their past six matches.

Bayern conceded early after a horror pass from Manuel Neuer allowed Gladbach to waltz through the penalty box, with Nico Elvedi tapping in from close range.

Bayern youth product Aleksandar Pavlovic drew the home side level just before half-time when he slid through the Gladbach defence and drilled in the equaliser.

Gladbach were courageous against a injury-hit Munich side who have lacked confidence and fluency in 2024.

Kane however stepped up with 20 remaining, heading in after a mistake from Gladbach goalie Moritz Nicolas.

Kane's 24th league goal of the season keeps him on track for the all-time record of 41 goals in a Bundesliga season, set by his Bayern predecessor Robert Lewandowski.

Leverkusen's win ensured they would go into next week's clash with Bayern atop the table.

Making his first league start since moving to Leverkusen from Southampton at the start of the season, Tella put Leverkusen ahead after half an hour, shedding his marker to head in a looping chip from Alex Grimaldo.

The England-born Nigeria representative doubled up early in the second-half, blasting in at close range past the helpless Darmstadt 'keeper.

M.Costa--INP