Mahdavikia benched as Frankfurt stuns Bremen

Ioannis Amanatidis scored the only goal of the game in the second half, after Diego had seen red for the visitors, as Frankfurt avenged their 6-2 defeat at the hands of Bremen in the same fixture last season.

Bayern will have the chance to extend their lead to six points when they face Hamburg on Sunday.

Amanatidis was a threat from the start for Frankfurt and he made his presence known as early as the second minute.

His shot was from point-blank range but was kept out by a wonder save from Bremen goalkeeper Tim Wiese.

Perhaps the defining moment in the match was the 39th-minute dismissal of Brazil midfielder Diego, for clattering into Frankfurt's Sotirios Kyrgiakos after both had challenged for the ball.

Frankfurt were the more authoritative after that and made their advantage count in the 56th minute.

Jurica Vranjes played in Amanatidis, who made no mistake one-on-one with Wiese.

This did shock Bremen into life but they were unable to take their chances and earn a point. Ivan Klasnic twice fired off target when well placed.

Frankfurt also missed a glorious chance to extend their lead in the 80th minute, as Bremen piled forward.

Substitute Caio was effectively one-on-one with the goalkeeper but his lame shot was saved by Wiese.