Berlin, 12 January 2025 (dpa/MIA) - A controversial Harry Kane penalty meant Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich returned from the mid-season break with a 1-0 win at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

The victory also secured Bayern the so-called winter champions tag given they will lead at the halfway point of the season whatever happens in Wednesday's home game with Hoffenheim.

Second-placed champions Bayer Leverkusen had won 3-2 at Borussia Dortmund on Friday to cut the gap, but the Bavarians re-established their four-point advantage with Kane's 15th of the league season.

Michael Olise was adjudged to have been tripped by Lukas Ullrich, but the touch was minimal. Kane converted on the 68th minute and though the penalty was harsh on Gladbach, Bayern had looked the likelier to go ahead against their Bundesliga bogey team.

Leon Goretzka and the excellent Thomas Müller missed big chances for a dominant Bayern in the first half, but Tim Kleindienst headed over as Gladbach improved slightly after the break.

The leaders, whose sporting director Max Eberl was a long-time Gladbach functionary, had Manuel Neuer fit, Jamal Musiala out ill and Eric Dier replacing the banned Dayot Upamecano.