With the top of the German league currently locked in the first three-way tie for 20 years, leaders Bayern Munich insist defending champions Borussia Dortmund are their biggest threat.
Bayern's shock 3-1 defeat at fourth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach last Friday blew the Bundesliga title race wide open with just one point now separating the top four teams.
After Gladbach's victory, both Dortmund and Schalke took advantage of Bayern's slip to see off Hamburg and Stuttgart respectively and join Munich at the top of the table on 37 points with goal difference keeping Bayern top.
Gladbach are just behind the leading trio in fourth with 36 points.
Dortmund went second on Sunday with a convincing 5-1 away win at Hamburg with Poland striker Robert Lewandowski and compatriot Jakub Blaszczykowski both netting twice, 24 hours after Schalke's 3-1 home win over Stuttgart.
It is the first time since the 1991/92 season that three teams have been level on points at the head of the Bundesliga at the halfway point.
"First and foremost, Dortmund are our biggest rivals, but Moenchengladbach and Schalke are contenders too," said Bayern's director of sport Christian Nerlinger.
Bayern were near full strength at Gladbach, with only France winger Franck Ribery suspended, but despite welcoming back Germany star Bastian Schweinsteiger after a broken collarbone injury, Munich failed to impress.
"Our most serious rivals - apart from us being our own worst enemies - remain Dortmund," said captain Philipp Lahm.
"To be honest, I don't believe Schalke or Gladbach can do it, despite the fact Gladbach have taken six points off us (this season).
"Dortmund and ourselves give off a more consistent impression, regardless of the results last weekend."
This weekend Bayern host 2009 champions Wolfsburg, while Dortmund are home to Hoffenheim, Schalke face Cologne, all on Saturday, and Moenchengladbach are at Stuttgart on Sunday.
Source: AFP
