Xabi Alonso's free kick has ensured that Bayern Munich are level at 1-1 with Hannover at the halfway stage of their Bundesliga clash.

A lively start to the match saw the hosts create the first chance when Christian Schulz headed over from Hiroshi Kiyotake's cross.

Bayern hit back as David Alaba forced Hannover goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler into a save with a powerful free kick.

It looked as though Hannover had wasted their best chance to take the lead when Jimmy Briand headed over from close range, but the home side capitalised on their next opportunity as the Frenchman picked out Kiyotake, who held off a challenge from Dante in the box before slotting past Manuel Neuer.

However, their celebrations did not last long as Bayern replied three minutes later when Alonso left Zieler helpless with a sublime set piece.

Bayern were in control after equalising, and they came agonisingly close to taking the lead when Arjen Robben fired just wide from Juan Bernat's cross.