Bayern leave it late against Hertha to reclaim Bundesliga summit
After Dortmund slipped up against Ruhr neighbours Bochum on Friday night, Bayern knew a win against Hertha Berlin would send them back to the Bundesliga summit.
They Bavarians would have to do it without Alphonso Davies, however. The Canadian full-back’s season ending prematurely through injury. Meanwhile, the Berlin club set up with a rather attacking 4-1-3-2, with a double pronged attack of Ngankam and Niederlechner.
To the surprise of many, Hertha made a strong start to the match. Niederlechner and Lukebakio both handfuls for the Bayern defence to tame. The biggest Bayern threat took the shape of Cancelo, who enjoyed plenty of freedom down the left flank. Despite the shortage of possession, Pal Dardai’s side were more than happy playing on the counter and to reasonable effect too.
They Bavarians would have to do it without Alphonso Davies, however. The Canadian full-back’s season ending prematurely through injury. Meanwhile, the Berlin club set up with a rather attacking 4-1-3-2, with a double pronged attack of Ngankam and Niederlechner.
Bayern’s first signal of intent finally arrived in the 34th minute – Kingsley Coman cut in on his left and fired goalward. The unsighted Christensen managed to stick out a trailing left foot to divert the ball to safety. Six minutes later Christensen was Hertha’s savour again. This time a spectacular reaction save from close range to deny Gnabry. Scoreless at the interval as whistles rang out around the Allianz Arena.
Tuchel introduced Leroy Sane after the break. The yellow-carded Leon Goretzka called ashore who will be suspended for the trip to Bremen next weekend. Bayern resumed where they left off, as set-pieces and corners began to mount in their favour. De Ligt managed to get on several Kimmich deliveries but to no avail.
With just over 20 minutes of normal time to play, Bayern made it 1-0 through Serge Gnabry. Skipper Joshua Kimmich’s delightful ball picking out the head of his compatriot in the box. The considerable weight of pressure lifted off Bavarian shoulders in unison. On 79 minutes, Kimmich played yet another pivotal role in unlocking the ‘Alte Dame’ defence – Coman gathered and slipped past Christensen to give Bayern breathing space. That would be how it finished as 'Die Rekordmeister' return to first place.