Kovac: Ribery and Robben have left their mark on this club in the last decade

The Bavarian giants moved a step closer to the Bundesliga title with a 3-1 win, with their cause aided by a remarkable dismissal for a rival

Niko Kovac was satisfied as Bayern Munich took another step towards the Bundesliga title by beating Hannover, whose coach Thomas Doll was angered by Jonathas' red card.

League leaders Bayern were 2-0 up at half-time at the Allianz Arena on Saturday thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski and Leon Goretzka, with Doll introducing Jonathas at the break.

The striker converted a penalty harshly awarded for a handball by Bayern defender Jerome Boateng but two bookings in quick succession then saw him dismissed.

Franck Ribery came off the bench to score a late third and secure victory for Bayern, moving them temporarily five points clear of closest rivals Dortmund.

"In the first 20 minutes, Hannover's defense were well marshalled but we had possession, although not too many goalscoring situations," said Kovac.

"After the 1-0 opener, we had a very good chance and we could have gone in 4-0 at half-time, then we'll have some rest.

"And out of the blue something happened, which was a penalty, but in my view it was not [a penalty], but we did our job."

Ribery's late goal enabled Kovac to bring on Arjen Robben for his first appearance since November and his 700th career game for club and country.

"These two have left their mark on this club in the last decade and they deserved it," Kovac said of the veteran wing duo.

"I would have liked to give them more minutes, but the game didn't allow it. It was amazing how the crowd reacted."