Sports

Gladbach hold champions Bayern 1-1 in Bundesliga opener

Sports Desk, Aug 13 (EFE).- Bayern Munich could manage only a 1-1 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday as they began their pursuit of a record-extending 10th consecutive Bundesliga title.

Injuries to Benjamin Pavard and Lucas Hernandez forced new Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann to field an improvised back line that looked shaky in the opening minutes against an aggressive home side.

Gladbach’s Patrick Hermann had a shot deflected wide in the 4th minute and Lars Stindl forced a stop from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer two minutes later.

But the keeper could do nothing to prevent Alassane Plea from putting the hosts up 1-0 in the 10th minute as a result of a giveaway in midfield by Alphonso Davies.

Going behind jolted the visitors into action and Gladbach keeper Yann Sommer had to be sharp to deny Robert Lewandowski in the 14th and 26th minutes.

Leroy Sane missed the target on a chance for Bayern in the 27th and a Gladbach defender turned aside Josip Stanisic’s effort from a good position in the 37th minute.

With three minutes left in first-half regulation, Joshua Kimmich sent a corner into the box to a waiting Lewandowski, who hammered home to bring the visitors level.

Bayern enjoyed a decided edge for the first 15 minutes of the second half and Sommer was tested by Davies and Lewandowski.

The entry of Marcus Thuram and Jonas Hoffmann in the 64th minute reinvigorated the Gladbach attack, giving Neuer some nervous moments.

Bayern were also fortunate that the referee ignored Gladbach’s plausible calls for penalties after a pair of incidents in the area. EFE rz/dr

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