Lewandowski rescues Bayern in opener draw

Updated: May 17, 2024, 05:21 am

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski scored twice to save the champions' blushes as they had to come from behind to rescue a 2-2 draw against Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga season opener on Friday.

Last season's league top scorer Lewandowski opened his account in the 24th minute, sliding in to complete a move he started himself, and become the first player to score on five consecutive season opening games.

But the visitors stunned the home crowd with two goals in three minutes, first with a deflected shot from Dodi Lukebakio, who had scored a hat-trick in Munich while playing for Fortuna Duesseldorf last season, and then with Marko Grujic charging through for a stunning turnaround in the 39th.

Lewandowski's penalty on the hour rescued a point for the hosts. Borussia Dortmund, their main title rivals this season, play Augsburg on Saturday.

"We did not play badly. We had a lot of chances and then comes that first Hertha goal which was lucky," Lewandowski told reporters.

"We were still a bit shocked from the first goal. We lost some pace and maybe our last pass was not as accurate but we played a good game overall."

Lewandowski can now count on some reinforcements with Brazil midfielder Philippe Coutinho set to move to the German champions on loan from Barcelona, according to both clubs.

Borussia Dortmund, their main title rivals this season, play Augsburg on Saturday.