Dortmund go four points clear with win at Wolfsburg

Dortmund, unbeaten in 15 matches in all competitions this season and with their best start in decades, needed to work hard against the Wolves after Reus nodded in at the far post in the 26th minute.

The result put them on 24 points, ahead of second-placed champions Bayern, who were held 1-1 at home by Freiburg. The win also made Lucien Favre the most successful new coach in Dortmund history after going unbeaten for 15 games since he took over this season.

The Swiss coach made nine changes to the team that beat Union Berlin in extra time in the German Cup in midweek, including giving top striker Paco Alcacer a rare start.

In an entertaining game, both teams had their share of chances but Dortmund could have added another goal through their skipper Reus or Jacob Bruun Larsen to avoid a nervous finale.

"We defended really well as a team and could have scored more goals," said defender Manuel Akanji. "But obviously we cannot score three or four goals in every game. Now we look ahead to Atletico and the Champions League."

Dortmund, who could book their Champions League knockout spot at Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, host Bayern in the Bundesliga next week.

Hoffenheim crushed Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 away to climb to sixth on 16, while Schalke 04 earned their first win in three matches with a 3-1 triumph over Hanover 96 to put more distance between the 13th placed Royal Blues and the relegation zone.