Bayern kick off Rückrunde with win in Hamburg
FC Bayern München took another step towards defending their Bundesliga title with a 2-1 victory away to Hamburger SV in the first game of the 2015/16 Rückrunde.
Hamburger SV 1-2 FC Bayern München
Goals: 0-1 Lewandowski (37'), 1-1 Alonso (o.g. 53’), 2-1 Lewandowski (61’)
Having thrashed Hamburg 5-0 on Matchday 1, Bayern were clear favourites going into this fixture but the hosts refused to be overawed and competed well early on. While the visitors had more of the ball, Hamburg’s Aaron Hunt and Dennis Diekmeier tested Manuel Neuer with shots from distance. Yet perhaps inevitably it was Bayern who opened the scoring, with Robert Lewandowski smashing in from the penalty spot after Rene Adler brought down Thomas Müller.
Pep Guardiola’s men pushed for another goal early in the second half but after missing a number of promising chances, HSV scored a shock equaliser when Xabi Alonso deflected a devious Hunt free-kick into his own net. Bayern’s advantage was restored shortly afterwards, however, with Lewandowski cleverly redirecting Müller’s volleyed effort past Adler. The Bavarians went closest to adding to the scoreline in the closing stages, but although they were unable to beat Adler again, they will return home happy with three more points.
As it happened: click here to relive our live text commentary
Man of the match
Lewandowski was a menace throughout, stretching the home defence with his movement and scoring two decisive goals to take his tally to 17 for the season – the same total he managed in the entire 2014/15 campaign.
Talking point
Bayern were not at their sparkling best in Hamburg, but they were as organised and dominant as ever. Lewandowski, Douglas Costa and Kingsley Coman, in particular, stood out and there was a clear sense that they have plenty more in the tank.
Match stats
- Lewandowski took a penalty for Bayern for the first time this season. It was only the second spot-kick he has ever taken for the club.The Polish striker’s opener was only the second goal he has scored before half-time this term. HSV’s goal was the 50th Bayern have conceded in the Bundesliga under Guardiola.
Line-ups
Hamburg: Adler – Diekmeier, Djourou (c), Cleber, Ostrzolek – Kacar (Jung 83’), Holtby – N. Müller, Hunt, Ilicevic (Gregoritsch 69’) – Lasogga (Rudnevs 77’)
Bayern: Neuer – Boateng (Martinez 56’), Badstuber, Alaba – Lahm (c), Alonso – Coman, T. Müller (Vidal 69’), Thiago, Costa (Robben 81’) - Lewandowski
