Unlucky Reds held by Hoffenheim

FC Bayern were held to a 1-1 draw by TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday. Christoph Baumgartner and Robert Lewandowski traded goals in the first half. Bayern were dominant for large spells but had a total of three goals ruled out for offside, hit the woodwork twice and rued several other missed chances.

The Bavarians started with with Manuel Neuer in goal and Benjamin Pavard, Niklas Süle and Lucas Hernández in defence. Joshua Kimmich and Jamal Musiala featured in a twin holding role behind Kingsley Coman, Thomas Müller, Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry, with Lewandowski up front. Marcel Sabitzer and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting took over from Musiala and Müller with ten minutes to go.

Lewy levels

The 25,600 crowd in Sinsheim saw a lively first half with chances at both ends. Neuer denied Kramaric, who had his rebound blocked. Gnabry saw an effort saved by TSG keeper Oliver Baumann, who soon made a strong save against Müller. Sané dragged two efforts wide, with Neuer denying Stiller.

Munich had the ball in the net when Müller's header beat Baumann, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Hoffenheim took the lead now, Raum's cross finding Baumgartner, who dispatched. Gnabry hit the post before Bayern found the net, Müller slotting past Baumann, but the linesman's flag was up again. Lewandowski powered a header into the net from a corner with the half-time whistle imminent, and this time the goal stood.

Utter dominance, no reward

Bayern hit the ground running after the break and had yet another goal ruled out for offside, Lewandowski diverting a Coman effort into the net. Sané saw a shot go wide and another one saved. Kramaric tested Neuer, Gnabry hitting the post at the other end. Musiala rounded Baumann but hit the side netting from a tight angle.

Müller saw an effort scrambled off the line before Neuer made a fine save against Kramaric. Choupo-Moting headed wide and Neuer denied Bebou, but another goal just refused to come, and match official Robert Schröder blew for full-time.

The result means Bayern have 60 points from 26 matches, ten ahead of Dortmund, who have two games in hand. The Bavarians will be back in action next Saturday, when they entertain Union Berlin.

Live match report for fcbayern.comby Greg Salmen