Sane and Kane help send Bayern six points clear
Leroy Sane scored twice in the second half as Bayern Munich was made to work hard for a 3-2 win over St Pauli in the Bundesliga and go six points clear at the top of the table.
Harry Kane had also scored in the first half, and although the visitors showed signs of fight, including a 93rd-minute goal, Bayern was able to restore the gap at the top of the table which had been narrowed by second-placed Bayer Leverkusen through its win over Bochum.
Leon Goretzka almost put the hosts ahead within two minutes, forcing Nikola Vasilj into a fine stop, but they had to hold on before taking a 17th-minute lead.
Kane tapped in from close range after meeting a Michael Olise cross, netting his 22nd goal of the season. He has now scored against all 19 clubs he has faced in the Bundesliga, the second-best all-time record behind retired Miroslav Klose (28).
St Pauli, which had hit the crossbar through Australia's Jackson Irvine before Kane's opener, levelled 10 minutes later from Elias Saad's clever flick, giving Bayern a run for its money.
Bayern, which had not won its past two Bundesliga matches, regained the lead in the 53rd minute, with Olise putting in another superb cross for Sane to drill in.
Jamal Musiala saw his 69th-minute effort tipped on to the crossbar, but Sane did it better two minutes later, finishing off a quick move after a Kane cutback.
St. Pauli's Lars Ritzka unleashed an unstoppable shot in stoppage-time to cut the deficit, but Alexander Blessin's side was unable to mount a late comeback.
Bayern is on 65 points, with Leverkusen on 59. St Pauli is in 15th place on 25.
But Sane urged his team-mates to remain focused after the narrow win.
"It was a bit tight towards the end because we were reduced to ten men. Taken altogether, it was a very good display after an international break," Sane said.
"We're all glad we took the three points at home. We must give it 100 percent in every match and win our games.
"I think it helps with our rhythm. We know we must be focused and mustn't squander points."
Coach Vincent Kompany, meanwhile, was pleased with his side's display.
"St Pauli have been well-organised throughout the entire season. They concede few goals and allow few chances," Kompany added.
"In the first half, we allowed them a lot, but in the second half in particular we created good chances.
"Taken altogether, I'm satisfied with the result and our performance. But Hiroki Ito’s injury dampens the result of course."
