BERLIN, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund established a three-point lead over Bayern Munich after overpowering Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 in matchday 23 on Sunday.
From the start, Leverkusen took control and pressed the hosts onto the back foot. Dortmund were unable to gain a foothold into the clash, whereas the Werkself created several goalscoring opportunities through youngster Kai Havertz.
But the visitors' profligacy was punished by clinical Dortmund, who opened the scoring against the run of the play on the half-hour, when Jadon Sancho's corner found Dan-Axel Zagadou, who nodded home the opener.
Dortmund had the chance to double their lead moments later, but Paco Alcacer missed from a promising position.
Leverkusen responded well and restored parity in the 37th minute as Kevin Volland unleashed a low shot from the edge of the box which caught out Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki.
Leverkusen's joy was short-lived, however, as Dortmund grabbed the lead again moments later when Sancho volleyed home Abdou Diallo's cross from the right.
In the second half, both sides continued on the offensive and exchanged fast breaks. Leverkusen were the more active team but it was the hosts who scored again as Mario Gotze made it 3-1 an hour into the game.
Dortmund thought they had extended their lead still further in the 64th minute, but Paco Alcacer's effort was ruled offside.
Leverkusen refused to give up and reduced the arrears after Jonathan Tah headed home Julian Brandt's free kick to make it 3-2.
Peter Bosz's men pressed for an equalizer but Dortmund stood firm and saw out the game.
With their victory, the black and yellows sit three points ahead of second-placed Bayern Munich, while Bayer Leverkusen slip down to seventh.
Elsewhere, Eintracht Frankfurt recorded their 10th win of the season after a comfortable 3-0 win over bottom side Hannover.
The Eagles scored three second-half goals through Ante Rebic, Luka Jovic and Filip Kostic to climb into the top six.
In Monday's late game, RB Leipzig will take on Hoffenheim to conclude matchday 23 in Germany's top flight.
