The Malta Independent on Sunday

Bremen ends Bayern's 9-game winning run with 1-1 draw

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Bundesliga leader Bayern Munich fought back to draw with Werder Bremen 1-1 as its ninegame winning run across all competitio­ns ended Saturday.

Maximilian Eggestein fired Bremen ahead before the break, but the visitors were unable to hold on for what would have been their first victory over Bayern since a 5-2 win in Munich in September 2008.

Leon Goretzka crossed for Kingsley Coman to equalize in the 62nd minute.

Bayern had won its last 19 games against Bremen since a 0-0 draw in September 2010, and coach Hansi Flick began with Goretzka, Serge Gnabry and Joshua Kimmich on the bench, while the 17-year-old Jamal Musiala made his first start.

Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who conceded six goals in Germany's Nations League defeat to Spain on Tuesday, did well to deny Josh Sargent and even better when he followed up to thwart Ludwig Augustinss­on from the rebound in the 16th.

Bayern defender Lucas Hernández had to go off with what looked like a back injury shortly afterward. Goretzka came on and Javi Martínez moved back to defense, with David Alaba moving over to take Hernández's place on the left.

Sargent held off Martínez's challenge and pulled the ball back for Eggestein to break the deadlock just before halftime.

Milot Rashica missed a good chance to make it 2-0 after the break, before Bayern finally responded.

Douglas Costa struck the crossbar, and Coman and Robert Lewandowsk­i tried their luck before Goretzka crossed for Coman to equalize at the near post.

Bayern substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting fired over when it appeared easier to score, before Bremen had a chance to grab a late winner through Sargent. Neuer got the better of their one-on-one.

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