Berlin, Mar 4 (IANS): Mario Gomez' winner ensured Bayern Munich's 20th win of the season in a contested match at Hoffenheim, to close the 24th round of German Bundesliga football.

Bayern Munich carved out a hard earned victory Sunday night at relegation threatened Hoffenheim thanks to the winner by Mario Gomez to restore their 17-point lead atop the Bundesliga standings, reports Xinhua.

Struggling Hoffenheim staged a courageous performance to keep the Bavarians away from their goal. Even better, the hosts were able to produce the first chance of the game as Daniel Williams sent a free kick into the side netting.

However, as the match progressed, the German giant started rolling when Mario Gomez made use of his second opportunity of the match to break the deadlock at the 38th minute.

Bayern's Jerome Boateng intercepted a pass by Igor de Camargo to cross to Franck Ribery, who headed into path of Gomez, who had no problems to tap in from close range.

The German record champion retracted with the neat lead behind showing a well-positioned defence that seemed insuperable.

Nonetheless Hoffenheim remained dangerous to force the Bavarians to add the second goal to the scoreboards. Hoffenheim's Stephan Schrock nearly shocked the visitors but Bayern's substitute goalkeeper Tom Starke denied the equalizer.

The Bavarians left a bunch of scoring opportunities unused as Bastian Schweinsteiger hit the woodwork twice before Gomez, Ribery and David Alaba squandered promising chances.

Thus Bayern maintain a clean sheet for 584 minutes at away to set a new Bundesliga record.

Bayern occupy first position with a 17-point gap to chasers and defending champions Dortmund meanwhile Hoffenheim sit on 17th position with 16 points.

In the other match, Mainz were held 1-1 by newly promoted side Dusseldorf.