Reds fall to ruthless Hoffenheim

FC Bayern were condemned to their first defeat this season, losing 4-1 at Hoffenheim on Sunday afternoon. Ermin Bičakčić handed TSG an early lead, Munas Dabbur doubling the advantage, with Joshua Kimmich pulling one back before half-time. Andrej Kramarić added a third for the home side and rounded off a brace from the penalty spot in injury time.

The Bavarians started with Manuel Neuer in goal and Benjamin Pavard, Jérôme Boateng, David Alaba and Alphonso Davies in a back four. Kimmich and Corentin Tolisso anchored a midfield featuring Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller and Serge Gnabry, with Joshua Zirkzee up front. Leon Goretzka, Robert Lewandowski, Jamal Musiala and Kingsley Coman took over from Pavard, Zirkzee, Tolisso and Sané in the second half.

One down at half-time

The first half was an up-tempo contest of two contrasting sides, with Bayern dominating possession and Hoffenheim dangerous on the break. Zirkzee saw an effort blocked before TSG took an early lead, Bičakčić heading in from a corner. Matters got worse when Dabbur raced clear and beat Neuer.

Neuer denied Kramarić, Sané heading wide at the other end. Bayern replied when Müller's cut-back found Kimmich, whose sumptuous curler found the net via the underside of the crossbar. Neuer stood out with an excellent reflex save, directing a Kramarić onto the crossbar, and Bayern were one down at half-time.

Kramarić settles it

Proceedings were similar after half-time. Neuer denied Dabbur before the latter miscued an effort, Zirkzee hitting the bar. The game ebbed for a spell but sprang to life again with 20 minutes to go, Lewandowski seeing a shot blocked, Neuer making a crucial save against Robert Skov. But the day turned sour when a cross found Kramarić in the box, the forward spinning and beating Neuer.

Kramarić saw a shot blocked before firing over, but Ihlas Bebou raced clear and Neuer came too late, with Kramarić converting the ensuing penalty, and Bayern's record-breaking run of 23 straight victories came to an end when match official Benjamin Brand blew for full-time.

The Bavarians will be back in action on Wednesday, when they take on Borussia Dortmund in the domestic Supercup.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen