Dortmund denied as Schalke hold firm

Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund had to settle for a goalless draw at home to FC Schalke 04 despite dominating against their Ruhr Valley rivals.

The point extended the hosts' lead at the top of the table to 12 points ahead of the rest of the weekend fixtures, although Jürgen Klopp's men will have been the more frustrated of the sides after striking the post twice in the contest.

The mid-table visitors, who gave a first start to new signing Anthony Annan, kept the first-half tide at bay thanks to goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. But when he was beaten after the interval the frame of his goal came to his rescue, Lucas Barrios the first to be denied by the upright.

Felix Magath's team nearly forged a late winner when José Manuel Jurado's effort was repelled by Roman Weidenfeller before Mario Götze spurned the home side's best chance, rounding Neuer only to fire against the post in the 84th minute.