Berlin, Nov 28 - Defending champions Dortmund were held to a 1-1 draw with newly promoted Dusseldorf owing to the late leveller by Stefan Reisinger whereas Schalke lost 1-3 at Hamburg in the German football league Bundesliga.

League leaders Bayern Munich were able to increase their gap Wednesday, as chasers Dortmund and Schalke dropped points for the title race, reports Xinhua.

From kick-off, Dortmund took over control as newly promoted Dusseldorf defended deep, with nine men in their half to give the hosts a tough time. As the match progressed, Dortmund were able to establish their offensive actions, yet unable to overcome Dusseldorf's bulwark.

Things changed at the 43rd minute as Jakub Blaszczykowski secured the opener with a volley into the top right corner following a one-two with Kevin Grokreutz inside the penalty area.

Dortmund's neat lead wobbled when Marcel Schmelzer cleared Stefan Reisingers effort from the goal line in the 58th minute.

Unsurprisingly, Dusseldorf punished Dortmund's laxity in the 78th minute when Reisinger utilised Robbie Kruse's cross at the second post to level the score.

Dusseldorf had to finish the match with 10 men as Iva Paurevic was sent off for his second bookable offence three minutes before final whistle.

However, Dortmund were unable to score the decider with 12 minutes left. Thus, Dortmund failed to put the pressure on league leaders Bayern, who will face Freiburg.

Also Schalke dropped points at the title race as they lost 1-3 to Hamburg.

After a goalless but fast paced first-half, Hamburg were able to break the deadlock at the 52nd minute. Hamburg's Maximilian Beister gave his side the lead when he hammered home from 20 metres inside left.

Hamburg were not done with the scoring as Artjoms Rudnevs had all time and space to double the lead near the penalty spot, following a cross by Dennis Diekmeier in the 65th minute.

The 0-2 deficit was a wakening call for the "Royal Blues" that initiated a run on Hamburg's goal.

In the 80th minute, referee Manuel Graefe awarded Schalke a penalty following a handball by Tomas Rincon. Klaas Jan Huntelaar missed the spot kick but he was lucky enough to score with the rebound from very close range.

Schalke frenetically pressed for the equaliser but then they were caught on a counter so that Tranquillo Barnetta had no choice but to foul Dennis Aogo inside the box to ensure a penalty for Hamburg.

Milan Badelj stepped up and converted the penalty to secure the 3-1 win over Schalke.

Elsewhere, Hannover defeated newly promoted Greuther Fuerth while Mainz upset Frankfurt 3-1. (IANS)