An 88th-minute goal from Daniel van Buyten earned Bayern a 2-1 win which moved them to within four points of league leaders Bayer Leverkusen.

That left a smile on Van Gaal's face, after he had been preparing for yet another disappointment.

Frankfurt led thanks to Alexander Meier's goal, and Arjen Robben's equaliser 20 minutes from time would not have been enough to ease the pressure on the Dutchman, until Van Buyten struck.

"I don't think you can say it was a lucky win when we created 14 chances," said Van Gaal.

"Frankfurt scored a goal with their first chance. After that, we were mentally strong and gave everything.

"We forced our luck. If you manage to create chances against a side who stick so many men behind the ball, then that is very good.

"In the end we won and I think we fully deserved to."

Van Gaal stunned the home fans when he withdrew striker Luca Toni shortly before the end, bringing central defender Martin Demichelis on.

However, the Dutchman was not looking to defend a point and, instead, he sent Van Buyten into the attack, and the move paid off.

"I was very happy with the changes," said Van Gaal modestly. "I brought Robben and (Mario) Gomez and then Van Buyten for Toni at the end.

"I am satisfied."