In Hannover, Turkish striker Halil Altintop volleyed a first-minute opener to give Schalke an early lead but the hosts replied two minutes later through veteran left wingback Michael Tarnat.

Elsewhere, Stuttgart failed to close the gap with Schalke as they were held to goalless draw by Wolfsburg.

Despite their draw, Schalke remain top with 50 points, four ahead of Bremen who will take on Bayern at Allianz Arena on Sunday.

Stuttgart lie third on goal difference while Bayern are fourth with 43 points.

Hertha Berlin dropped to eighth place following a 3-1 away defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach.

Nando Rafael opened the score line for the hosts in the 32nd minute before Cristian Gimenez equalized for Hertha in the 56th minute.

Rafael added his second minute before the hour mark and Michael Delura made it three four minutes from time.

Danish midfielder Leon Andreasen converted a penalty six minutes into the second period as Mainz overcame Arminia Bielefeld.

Egyptian forward Mohamed Zidan took part in the game but was replaced six minute before the final whistle.