Hertha Berlin stunned Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich 2-0 on Friday for their first win against them in nine years, snapping the champions’ unbeaten run this season and moving the Berliners joint top in the league.
Hertha captain Vedad Ibisevic sent Manuel Neuer the wrong way to score with a 23rd minute penalty after Jerome Boateng had brought down Salomon Kalou.
Slovak forward Ondrej Duda continued his sensational form with his fifth goal of the season, firing in on the stroke of half-time.
Bayern, without injured Leon Goretzka, had their share of chances with Arjen Robben in the first half and James Rodriguez after the break but slumped to their first defeat of the season, three days after stumbling to a 1-1 draw against Augsburg.
First-year Bayern boss Niko Kovac, who was handed his first defeat since taking over as manager, brought on Thomas Muller for Robben early in the second half. The Netherlands winger appeared to question the decision as he talked with his coach.
With 65 percent possession, 14 corners compared to Hertha’s one and 24-6 shots on goal, Bayern will be asking themselves how they failed to get at least a point from the game.
“Our conversion rate is one reason but we also let in two goals,” said Kovac. “Both could have been avoided.
“We still played a decent game. We have no problem with the defeat and will not start seeing everything in a negative light. Everyone who knows this club knows we will bounce back and we will be successful again.”
Bayern Munich are winless in their last four games against Hertha and are the only team Bayern have not beaten in the last two Bundesliga seasons
The result lifted Hertha into second place on 13 points, level with Bayern but trailing by two on goal differential. Borussia Dortmund, third on 11 points, are in action against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.
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