Pro Sports

Bayern finally beaten after 32 games as Hoffenheim wins 4-1

Posted September 27, 2020 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Hoffenheim's goal scorer Ermin Bicakcic, Munas Dabbur, Stefan Posch and Christoph Baumgartner, from left, celebrate the opening goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich in Sinsheim, Germany, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

SINSHEIM, Germany (AP) - Hoffenheim ended Bayern Munich's 32-game run without defeat on Sunday with a 4-1 win in the Bundesliga.

Bayern's former reserve team coach, Sebastian HoeneÃŸ, coaxed a concentrated, relentless team effort from his new side and was rewarded with goals from Ermin Bicakcic, Munas Dabbur and two including a penalty from Andrej Kramaric.

It was Bayern's first defeat in any competition since a 2-1 loss at Borussia MÃ¶nchengladbach on Dec. 7, 2019, and Hansi Flick's third loss as coach since he took over the Bavarian powerhouse on Nov. 3, 2019.

'œThere are many reasons for the defeat, but I cannot accuse the team of lacking commitment or will,'ť said Flick, whose side defeated Sevilla 2-1 after extra time in the UEFA Super Cup on Thursday. 'œThe mentality after the 120 minutes on Thursday was top.'ť

Bicakcic opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a header from a corner, and Dabbur made it 2-0 eight minutes later. Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann's long kick seemed to catch Bayern's defense by surprise. Benjamin Pavard attempted to win the ball from Kramaric, but instead it fell kindly for Dabbur, who calmly lobbed the ball over Bayern's advancing goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Joshua Kimmich pulled one back in the 36th, letting fly from outside the penalty area with the ball ending in the far top corner, giving Baumann no chance.

Flick brought on star striker Robert Lewandowski and midfielder Leon Goretzka for the last half hour, then Kingsley Coman and the 17-year-old Jamal Musiala with a little more than a quarter-hour remaining.

But Kramaric scored in the 77th, taking Ihlas Bebou's pass before turning and shooting past Neuer inside the far post.

Hoffenheim missed further chances to score before Neuer brought down Bebou to concede the penalty in injury time. Kramaric duly converted from the spot as Hoffenheim claimed its second win from two games to start the season.

'œThe win means we're on the right path," HoeneÃŸ said. 'œNow we have to continue for the next game in Frankfurt. It's important that we stay cool. We're in a process.'ť

HoeneÃŸ coached Bayern's reserve team to the third division title last season after previously coaching its under-19 side. He is the son of former Bayern and West Germany striker Dieter HoeneÃŸ, and nephew of Dieter's brother Uli, who also played for Bayern and West Germany, before spending more than 40 years in Bayern club management. Uli HoeneÃŸ finally stepped down as president last year.

The game was watched by 6,030 spectators. Limited numbers of fans have been allowed at most games since last weekend for the first time since restrictions against the coronavirus started in March.

Freiburg drew with Wolfsburg 1-1 in the late game.

___

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Munich's Leroy Sane, left, and Hoffenheim's Stefan Posch challenge for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich in Sinsheim, Germany, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

Hoffenheim's scorer Ermin Bicakcic, left, scores the opening goal against Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer during the German Bundesliga soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich in Sinsheim, Germany, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

Hoffenheim's Ihlas Bebou, left, and Munich's David Alaba, right, challenge for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich in Sinsheim, Germany, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

Hoffenheim's coach Sebastian Hoeness gives instructions during the German Bundesliga soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich in Sinsheim, Germany, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

Hoffenheim's goal scorer Ermin Bicakcic (2nd from right), cheers with teammates during the German Bundesliga soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich in Sinsheim, Germany, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

Hoffenheim's Ermin Bicakcic, left, and Munich's Joshua Zirkzee challenge for the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between TSG 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich in Sinsheim, Germany, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (Uwe Anspach/dpa via AP) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.