BERLIN, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Ten-man Bayern Munich took a giant step towards the Bundesliga title on Sunday after coming from behind to beat Bochum 3-1 and open up a nine-point lead in the run for the top title. Bayern seemingly faced an uphill task after Bochum's Mimoun Azaouagh scored in the 4th minute

More than 69,000 fans in the sold-out Allianz Arena were stunned when Azaouagh opened the scoring with a sensational strike into the top corner from 24 meters out.

The fans were even shocked when Bayern's Dutch midfield Mark van Bommel was sent off for two bookable offences in the 24th minute.

Luca Toni (C) of Bayern Munich attempts to score against Getafe during their UEFA Cup quarter final first leg soccer match in Munich, April 3, 2008.

However, the sending-off of acted as a wake-up call for the Bundesliga leaders, and Lucio's header from Bastian Schweinsteiger's free-kick levelled matters four minutes later.

Despite being a man up, Bochum created little from then on. Bayern increased the pressure and Miroslav Klose replaced the ineffective Lukas Podolski midway through the second half.

In the 73th minute, Bochum's Marc Pfertzel handed the ball and French midfielder Franck Ribery coolly converted the resulting penalty to send Bayern on their way to victory.

In the 88th minute, however, Christian Lell settled the win from Miroslav Klose's lovely back-heel assist.

With the home victory, Bayern are one step closer to their 21sttitle of German top soccer league.

Bayern are now nine points ahead of Bundesliga runner-up FC Schalke 04 with seven games left.

BERLIN, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Ten-man Bayern Munich took a giant step towards the Bundesliga title on Sunday after coming from behind to beat Bochum 3-1 and open up a nine-point lead in the run for the top title. Bayern seemingly faced an uphill task after Bochum's Mimoun Azaouagh scored in the 4th minute

More than 69,000 fans in the sold-out Allianz Arena were stunned when Azaouagh opened the scoring with a sensational strike into the top corner from 24 meters out.

The fans were even shocked when Bayern's Dutch midfield Mark van Bommel was sent off for two bookable offences in the 24th minute.

Luca Toni (C) of Bayern Munich attempts to score against Getafe during their UEFA Cup quarter final first leg soccer match in Munich, April 3, 2008.

However, the sending-off of acted as a wake-up call for the Bundesliga leaders, and Lucio's header from Bastian Schweinsteiger's free-kick levelled matters four minutes later.

Despite being a man up, Bochum created little from then on. Bayern increased the pressure and Miroslav Klose replaced the ineffective Lukas Podolski midway through the second half.

In the 73th minute, Bochum's Marc Pfertzel handed the ball and French midfielder Franck Ribery coolly converted the resulting penalty to send Bayern on their way to victory.

In the 88th minute, however, Christian Lell settled the win from Miroslav Klose's lovely back-heel assist.

With the home victory, Bayern are one step closer to their 21sttitle of German top soccer league.

Bayern are now nine points ahead of Bundesliga runner-up FC Schalke 04 with seven games left.