Bayern held at home by Hoffenheim

FC Bayern were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Hoffenheim on Saturday. Bayern were in the driving seat for large spells, with Benjamin Pavard handing them an early lead, but Andrej Kramarić levelled the scores with 20 minutes to go. Munich upped the ante in the closing stages, but another goal refused to come.

The German record champions started with Yann Sommer in goal and Pavard, Dayot Upamecano, Matthijs de Ligt and João Cancelo in a back four. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka anchored a midfield featuring Leroy Sané, Thomas Müller and Kingsley Coman, with Serge Gnabry up front. Jamal Musiala, Mathys Tel, Alphonso Davies and Ryan Gravenberch took over from Goretzka, Sané, Coman and Cancelo in the second half.

Pavard on target

The 75,000 full house at the Allianz Arena was treated to a cautious opening, with Bayern in control and Hoffenheim sitting back. A Pavard effort from distance went over the bar and Cancelo saw a shot blocked, but Bayern took the lead when a mishit Coman shot found Pavard, who coolly controlled and poked the ball between the legs of TSG keeper Oliver Baumann.

Munich were in command throughout but struggled to muster up further clear-cut chances, while also restricting Hoffenheim to nothing of note. Müller headed over and Gnabry fired just wide as Bayern went into half-time a goal to the good.

Reds lack efficiency

Thomas Tuchel's men upped the ante after the restart, Coman seeing an effort saved before Sané dragged a shot wide and had another effort blocked. Pavel Kadeřábek and Angelo Stiller were off target at the other end as Bayern eased off for a spell.

The game sprang to life midway through the second half, Cancelo forcing a strong save from Baumann before Angeliño made a last-ditch block against Gnabry. Hoffenheim levelled the scores when a Kramarić free-kick found the net via Sommer's fingertips and the inside of the post. Bayern replied almost immediately, Pavard turning in a Cancelo cross, but the goal was ruled out for offside after VAR intervention. Baumann denied Gnabry and Tel before Gnabry sidestepped a defender only to fire over. The No.7 missed another chance when he slipped on the spin as Bayern failed to find a winner.

The draw means Bayern have 59 points with six matches to go, two clear of Dortmund, who were held in dramatic fashion by 10-man Stuttgart. FCB will be back in action on Wednesday when they entertain Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final return leg.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen