Germany striker Mario Gomez took advantage of a rare start to give Bundesliga leader Bayern Munich a hard-fought 1-0 win at relegation candidate Hoffenheim on Sunday.

Bayern winger Frank Ribery headed on Javi Martinez's header for Gomez to flick past goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes with his second touch in the 38th minute.

Bayern maintained its 17-point lead over defending champion Borussia Dortmund after equaling the Bundesliga record for 11 away wins in a season.

Gomes denied Philipp Lahm's effort shortly afterward, with the rebound falling kindly for the defence with Bayern players lurking.

Munich-born Daniel Williams created Hoffenheim's best chances in the first half, before the home side ran out of steam.

Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger hit the crossbar and then the post from successive free kicks in the second half.