Germany Bayern Munich had the chance to return to the top of the Bundesliga for the winter break when they travelled to take on bottom of the league Darmstadt.

Carlo Ancelotti's men entered the contest on the back of a 5-nil win over Wolfsburg last week and following Leipzeg's win over Hertha Berlin yesterday needed a win to go back into pole position for a sixth straight German title.

Robert Lewandowski goes close for the visitors with a free-kick just before half time.

With twenty minutes remaining comes a moment of magic. Brazilian midfielder Douglas Costa strikes into the top corner from some 35 yards to give Bayern the lead.

Darmstadt come close to equalizing six minutes later but Peter Neimeyer can't get enough power behind his header following Jerome Gondorf's parried effort and the Bavarians hold on for the win.

So this is how it looks at the top. Bayern are ahead of Leipzig on goal difference following that victory -- and the sides play Thursday. Hoffenheiem remain third, level on points with Hertha Berlin with Dortmund fifth.