• Lewandowski scores twice
• Bavarians move in second place
• Leaders Dortmund are nine points clear

BERLIN: Champions Bayern Munich eased past Nuremberg 3-0 in the Bavarian derby with two goals from Robert Lewandowski, to continue their recovery from a dip in form and move into second place.

Lewandowski struck twice in the first half and Franck Ribery added another in the 56th as Bayern found minimal resistance from their toothless opponents.

Bayern, who have advanced to the Champions League knockout stage, posted their first win in five home league matches and the scoreline could have been more emphatic.

It was also their third straight win in all competitions to strengthen the position of embattled coach Niko Kovac.

"Today we did not allow anything over 90 minutes and we had many chances ourselves" Kovac told reporters.

"I am very satisfied. It was important that we kept a clean sheet and maintained our confidence and lead and did not concede goals (as in recent games). Now we have won three games in a row (in all competitions)."

The reigning champions, who have won the last six league titles, are on 27 points, nine behind leaders Borussia Dortmund who beat Schalke 04 2-1 on Saturday.

Borussia Moenchengladbach, on 26, are in action on Sunday against VfB Stuttgart.