'Gladbach frustrates Bayern

BAYERN Munich dropped points for only the fourth time in the German Bundesliga this season after being held to a 1-1 draw by Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday.

Xherdan Shaqiri salvaged a point for the league leader with the equalizer in the 59th minute, canceling out Thorben Marx's 21st-minute penalty.

Marx scored with 'Gladbach's first shot on goal after Jerome Boateng was adjudged to have blocked Tolga Cigerci's cross with his arm.

"I don't think it was a penalty," said Boateng.

"You can give it," said 'Gladbach coach Lucien Favre.

Bayern had 26 shots on goal compared to the visitors' six, but struggled to create clear chances in the face of dogged defending and an impressive performance from Borussia goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen.

"There was too much to do," ter Stegen said.

The result leaves Bayern 12 points clear of Bayer Leverkusen ahead of the rest of the final games before the winter break.

Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, who remains 'Gladbach's all-time top-scorer from his playing days, sent out the same 11 for the first time this season, and the home side made the better start with Franck Ribery looking dangerous in particular.

The Frenchman skipped past two defenders and played the ball in, only for ter Stegen to snuff out the danger.

Javi Martinez, who overcame a cold to play, was forced off with a facial injury in the 38th, when Shaqiri came on in the Spaniard's place.

Ter Stegen produced an outstanding save to deny Bastian Schweinsteiger after the break, when the home side maintained its pressure.

Shaqiri eventually capitalized on a Marx mistake before beating ter Stegen at the near post for his first Bundesliga goal.

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