Bayern admit fading hopes

BERLIN: Bayern Munich captain Mark van Bommel admitted his side's hopes of catching leaders Wolfsburg, and defending their Bundesliga title, were dented on Saturday when they lost 1-0 at home to Schalke 04.

A first-half header from Schalke's Turkey striker Halil Altintop inflicted a third home defeat of the season on third-placed Bayern, while leaders Wolfsburg can go five points clear at the top if they beat Energie Cottbus on Sunday.

"It's a setback in the title race, but it's never over until the end," said the Dutchman.