Bundesliga opening match: Bayern 3-1 Hoffenheim

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Robert Lewandowski netted a controversial penalty awarded by VAR at the second attempt as Bayern Munich opened the new Bundesliga season with a 3-1 win over Hoffenheim on Friday.

Thomas Mueller put Bayern ahead with a first-half header and Adam Szalai equalized before Lewandowski's spot-kick and a late Arjen Robben goal sealed victory at the Allianz Arena.

Both teams seem to have suffered serious injury setbacks as Bayern winger Kingsley Coman and Hoffenheim captain Kevin Vogt both hobbled off.

New Bayern coach Niko Kovac got his side's bid for a seventh straight title off to a winning start in his first league game at the club. But Hoffenheim had every reason to complain about Bayern's second goal on 82 minutes.

Replays showed Hoffenheim defender Havard Nordtveit made no contact with Franck Ribery, yet Bayern were awarded the penalty and when Lewandowski had his initial shot saved, Robben netted the rebound.

Referee Bastian Dankert checks VAR before instructing a Bayern Munich penalty to be retaken, Bayern Munich vs TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany, August 24, 2018. /VCG Photo

However, the penalty had to be retaken as replays showed Robben ran into the area too soon and Lewandowski scored at the second attempt.

Mueller then had a goal ruled out for striking his elbow before Robben made sure of the three points with Bayern's third goal on 90 minutes.

Kovac sprung a surprise before kickoff by starting with Germany center-back Mats Hummels, 29, and Robben, 34, on the bench. Defender Niklas Suele and Coman, both 22, took over in the starting lineup.

Mueller responded to sharp criticism of his poor performances at the World Cup, when Germany crashed out after finishing bottom of their group, with a superb header from a corner in the 23rd minute to claim the first goal of the season.

Thomas Muller of Bayern Munich celebrates scoring a goal during the Bundesliga match, Bayern Munich vs TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany, August 24, 2018. /VCG Photo

Hoffenheim wasted a golden chance moments later when Joelinton fired wide with only goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to beat.

The hosts should have gone 2-0 up when Coman fired straight at Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann on 37 minutes, before having to be helped off after taking a heavy knock on the ankle in a foul by Hoffenheim defender Nico Schulz.

The referee initially missed the incident, but after VAR intervened, Schulz was booked and Robben replaced Coman.

It stayed 1-0 at the break, but Hoffenheim drew level following two errors in the Bayern ranks after Javi Martinez gave away possession weakly.

Hoffenheim striker Szalai powered into the box, held off Martinez's challenge and turned Boateng to fire home on 57 minutes.

Julian Nagelsmann manager of 1899 Hoffenheim celebrates as Adam Szalai of 1899 Hoffenheim scores their first goal during the Bundesliga match, Bayern Munich vs TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Allianz Arena, Munich, Germany, August 24, 2018. /VCG Photo

Martinez made way for Leon Goretzka with 25 minutes left as Kovac put more emphasis on attacking, and Hoffenheim lost Vogt when he landed awkwardly after a challenge.

And after the VAR drama, Robben made sure of the points by darting onto a through ball and firing home for the defending champions.

Source(s): AFP