Table toppers FC Bayern Munich started 2016 with a win, triumphing 2-1 over Hamburger SV on matchday 18. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a penalty, after HSV keeper René Adler had fouled Thomas Müller on the edge of the box. An own goal from Xabi Alonso allowed the hosts a foothold in the game, but Lewandowski struck again in the 61st minute to decide the match in Bayern’s favour.
Bayern struggled to hit top gear in the freezing cold. HSV went into their tackles well, and were arguably the better side in the opening exchanges. The first dangerous shot came from Hunt, and Dennis Diekmeier also had an effort from 20 metres out just eight minutes later.
Guardiola, who was without top stars Mario Götze and Franck Ribéry for the trip to Hamburg, clearly prioritised ball control ahead of the match. Kingsley Coman and Douglas Costa were constant dangers on either wing, and were unlucky not to carve HSV open more often. Polish striker Lewandowski was though ruthless from the penalty spot shortly before half-time.
Bayern respond to Hamburg’s equaliser
In the second half, the hosts came out with the aim of frustrating the record champions. They got their reward, a deserved equaliser from a free kick, which Alonso inadvertently touched in over Neuer. World champion Jerome Boateng was forced off shortly after with a adductor muscle injury. Lewandowski showed his striker’s instinct, redirecting Müller’s volley into the HSV goal, and securing the win for FC Bayern.
David Alaba almost put the game to bed towards the end, smashing an excellent free kick against the crossbar. Thiago, too, was unlucky not to score, after his shot was deflected over through a combination between Djourou and Adler.
Table toppers FC Bayern Munich started 2016 with a win, triumphing 2-1 over Hamburger SV on matchday 18. Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a penalty, after HSV keeper René Adler had fouled Thomas Müller on the edge of the box. An own goal from Xabi Alonso allowed the hosts a foothold in the game, but Lewandowski struck again in the 61st minute to decide the match in Bayern’s favour.
Bayern struggled to hit top gear in the freezing cold. HSV went into their tackles well, and were arguably the better side in the opening exchanges. The first dangerous shot came from Hunt, and Dennis Diekmeier also had an effort from 20 metres out just eight minutes later.
Guardiola, who was without top stars Mario Götze and Franck Ribéry for the trip to Hamburg, clearly prioritised ball control ahead of the match. Kingsley Coman and Douglas Costa were constant dangers on either wing, and were unlucky not to carve HSV open more often. Polish striker Lewandowski was though ruthless from the penalty spot shortly before half-time.
Bayern respond to Hamburg’s equaliser
In the second half, the hosts came out with the aim of frustrating the record champions. They got their reward, a deserved equaliser from a free kick, which Alonso inadvertently touched in over Neuer. World champion Jerome Boateng was forced off shortly after with a adductor muscle injury. Lewandowski showed his striker’s instinct, redirecting Müller’s volley into the HSV goal, and securing the win for FC Bayern.
David Alaba almost put the game to bed towards the end, smashing an excellent free kick against the crossbar. Thiago, too, was unlucky not to score, after his shot was deflected over through a combination between Djourou and Adler.
