Scoreless in Munich: Hertha ends Bayern’s winning run
BERLIN (AP) Hertha Berlin ended Bayern Munich's 14-game winning run across all competitions in a 0-0 draw in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
Bayern dominated in Munich but Hertha held on without conceding for a third consecutive away match, a club record.
''Everyone did their job. When you leave here with a point, then it's outstanding,'' said Hertha forward Davie Selke, whose side remained in mid-table.
Bayern had been going for records of its own. Coach Jupp Heynckes already matched Pal Csernai's record of 14 straight wins set in 1980, and Robert Lewandowski was hoping to join Bayern great Gerd Mueller and Heynckes as the only players to have scored in 12 consecutive home games.
''I would have granted Lewy that,'' joked Heynckes, who achieved the feat as a Borussia Moenchengladbach player in 1972-73.
It was Bayern's first scoreless draw at home since April 2002 when Mainz visited and only the second game in 25 under Heynckes that Bayern failed to win since the veteran coach returned for his fourth stint in October.
''We can also live with the point,'' he said. ''It's unusual that we didn't take our chances but you have such days in football.''
Bayern had 19 shots compared to the visitors' five, and dominated with three-quarters of possession and 660 passes compared to Hertha's 150. Hertha collectively ran almost eight kilometers more, however.
Franck Ribery fired Bayern's best chance over in the first half, while Lewandowski went close in the second. Arjen Robben's free kick drew a save from Rune Jarstein in injury time.
Bayern moved 20 points clear of Borussia Dortmund, which hosts Augsburg on Monday. Ten rounds remain after the ongoing 24th round.
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BREMEN BEATS HAMBURG
Werder Bremen claimed a late 1-0 derby win over Hamburger SV to move its rival closer to its first relegation.
Ishak Belfodil forced the ball over the line with four minutes remaining despite Hamburg defender Rick van Drongelen's effort to keep out Bremen substitute Aron Johannsson's initial effort.
The goal stood despite TV replays suggesting Belfodil was offside when Johannsson shot.
''It's an offside goal and it shouldn't count,'' Hamburg forward Andre Hahn said.
The game was marred by interruptions caused by fans in the visiting block setting off fireworks and flares. Referee Felix Zwayer called the players aside as the stadium announcer repeatedly urged the perpetrators to stop.
Hamburg, the only club to have played every season of the league since its formation in 1963, is eight points from safely. With only five wins and five draws in 24 games, it's the club's worst season.
Bremen boosted its hopes of avoiding the drop by moving nine points clear of Hamburg.
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KRAMER BREAKS `GLADBACH RUN
Christoph Kramer's second-half strike was enough for Borussia Moenchengladbach to end its four-game losing streak beating Hannover 1-0.
It was a brilliant goal with just under 20 minutes remaining. The World Cup winner finished off Lars Stindl's cross with a spectacular volley inside the left post.
`Gladbach hadn't scored in its previous four games, and lost its five previous away games.
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STUTTGART ON THE UP
Erik Thommy's early goal on the rebound was enough for Stuttgart to defeat in-form Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 to move seven points clear of the relegation zone.
It preserved Stuttgart's unbeaten record with three wins in four games under Tayfun Korkut as coach.
Nils Petersen scored a penalty as Freiburg held Hoffenheim to 1-1.