Rummenigge: Bayern now hunting RB Leipzig after months atop Bundesliga

Berlni - Chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge admits Bayern Munich is now the hunter - rather than the hunted - as the team attempts to reclaim top spot from surprise new Bundesliga leader RB Leipzig.

Bayern flew to Russian side FC Rostov for Wednesday's Champions League clash with the Bavarian giant already through to the last 16, but needing a win to challenge Atletico Madrid for top spot in Group D.

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Dutch winger Arjen Robben are both out with injury, while Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal, Spain's Javi Martinez and French winger Kingsley Coman are also set to miss out with knocks.

However, Bayern flew east to Russia in the unusual position of not being able to claim the club is currently Germany's best.

The team's 1-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday left Carlo Ancelotti's Bayern second in Germany's top flight after new boys RB Leipzig went three points clear of Munich with a 3-2 win at Bayer Leverkusen on Friday.

This is the first time in 14 months that Bayern is not top of the Bundesliga.

The club hosts unbeaten Leipzig, who is having a dream debut season after four promotions in seven years, on December 21, but in the meantime Bayern is eager to restore its authority.

"Now we want to increase the pressure in the next few weeks," said Rummenigge on Tuesday. "There are still many points up for grabs.

"We are the hunters now.

"We were ahead for four years, now we are not.

"It's what the republic (Germany) wanted, now they have it and they can't complain," he added.

However, most German football fans are delighted there is a title race after Bayern won the league title at a canter in each of the last four seasons.

Rummenigge admitted being impressed with RB Leipzig's hard-working squad, adding "it's is the biggest surprise that they are still undefeated".