Bayern edge thrilling game at Hertha

FC Bayern beat Hertha Berlin 3-2 on Saturday, winning their eighth match in a row. Jamal Musiala and two-goal Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting handed Bayern a three-goal lead, but Dodi Lukébakio and Davie Selke scored for Hertha shortly before half-time. With no more goals to come in the second half, Bayern sealed three points and reclaimed the lead in the Bundesliga table overnight.

The Bavarians started with the returning Manuel Neuer in goal and Noussair Mazraoui, Benjamin Pavard, Dayot Upamecano and Alphonso Davies in a back four. Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka featured in midfield behind Serge Gnabry, Musiala and Sadio Mané, with Choupo-Moting up front. Lucas Hernández, Kingsley Coman, Leroy Sané and Marcel Sabitzer came on for Davies, Mané, Gnabry and Goretzka in the second half.

Hertha strike back

Hertha got off to a good start, with Neuer the busier of the keepers. Lukébakio and Selke saw their efforts saved but Bayern soon took the lead, Mané winning the ball in Hertha's half and inviting Musiala to crash home from 12 yards. The goal boosted Julian Nagelsmann's men, with Hertha keeper Oliver Christensen denying Mané, although Marco Richter soon called Neuer into action.

Choupo-Moting capitalised on a mix-up in the box after a Goretzka shot was blocked, slotting through Christensen's legs to double the lead and set up a rousing phase before half-time. The Bayern striker rounded off his brace just 77 seconds later, turning a deflected Gnabry square over the line with his knee while on the ground. The hosts struck back almost immediately, Richter's cross finding Lukebakio, who netted on the volley. Hertha were awarded a penalty for a foul on Selke, who made no mistake from 12 yards.

No more goals

After a slow start to the second half, Musiala saw an effort blocked before Hertha's Agustin Rogel put through his own goal under pressure from Choupo-Moting, but it was ruled out for offside in the build-up. The game entered a scrappy phase with a string of fouls now, with clear-cut chances at a premium.

The men from the capital went looking for an equaliser in the closing stages but Bayern were solid at the back. Kimmich saw a shot blocked and a Sané free-kick went over the bar. Bayern were on tenterhooks when Hertha piled forward and Kenny crossed into the box, but Munich put out the fire thanks to teamwork and got the win over the line.

The result takes Bayern onto 28 points from 13 matches, two clear of Hertha's city rivals Union, who take on Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday. The Bavarians will be back in action on Tuesday when they host Werder Bremen in their final home match of the year.

Live match report for fcbayern.com by Greg Salmen