Bayern Munich Draw with Hamburg Opens Path for Dortmund
Bayern Munich let slip more points in the Bundesliga for the second consecutive week after a 2-2 stalemate against Hamburg on Saturday.
Borussia Dortmund now have an opportunity to breathe new life into the title challenge by beating bottom-of-the-table Heidenheim at home on Sunday, pulling them just six points behind the leaders.
Hamburg, who had suffered 17 losses and three draws in their previous 20 encounters with Bayern, mounted a spirited display and went ahead via a Fabio Vieira spot-kick in the 32nd minute.
The title holders responded with goals from Harry Kane and Luis Diaz around the interval, only for the home side to hit back quickly through Luka Vuskovic.
Hamburg nearly snatched victory late on when Manuel Neuer ventured far from his goal, but Alphonso Davies blocked Vieira and cleared desperately to rescue Bayern.
A frustrated Neuer remarked to Sky: the draw feels like a loss. We aimed for a better result today, yet seeing the determination in our players faces bodes well for next week as we push forward again.
Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl vented his frustration at the officials, commenting: the referee seemed a touch out of his depth.
This marked Hamburgs first non-defeat against Bayern since 2014, ending a streak of nine losses in which they shipped 39 goals.
On loan from Arsenal, Vieira slotted the penalty beneath Neuer's diving arm to put Hamburg ahead, their initial strike against Bayern in seven outings since 2016.
Kane restored parity for the away team right before the break, volleys a loose ball instinctively with a typical forwards instinct.
Coming on at half-time, Diaz put Bayern in front just 90 seconds into the second half, steering a Michael Olise delivery inside from near the line.
However, the scores were level soon after as Vuskovic nodded a delivery beyond Neuer and inside the upright, helping Hamburg secure a crucial share of the spoils.
Andrej Kramaric netted a brace as Hoffenheim continued their impressive form with a 3-1 victory over Union Berlin at home.
Hoffenheim had survived relegation by a narrow margin last term but have gathered 19 out of 21 available points from their last seven fixtures, placing them alongside second-placed Dortmund.
With a clash against Bayern looming next Sunday, Kramaric shared with Sky Germany: Were ready for the challenge it will be an exciting matchup. Maintaining our recent form means we can expect to return with something.
Unions solid backline crumbled when defender Leopold Querfeld fouled Hoffenheims Fisnik Asllani inside the area in the 42nd minute.
Kramaric dispatched the penalty with a composed chip. The Croatian international then added a header from a Bazoumana Toure delivery moments before the interval.
A further Toure cross allowed Hoffenheim to wrap up the win shortly after the restart, as Unions Diogo Leite deflected the ball into his own goal with Kramaric pressing nearby.
Leverkusen Comfortably Defeat Frankfurt
Bayer Leverkusen closed to within one point of fourth-placed Leipzig following a 3-1 triumph at struggling Eintracht Frankfurt, who remain without a manager until Albert Riera arrives unexpectedly next week.
We will reset completely, stated Frankfurts Mario Goetze.
Arthur opened the scoring for Leverkusen with his debut Bundesliga goal, capitalising on a smart backheeled lay-off from Alejandro Grimaldo.
Malik Tillman soon extended the advantage, exploiting sloppy play by Frankfurt keeper Kaua Santos.
Robin Koch pulled one back for Frankfurt after the break, but Ellyes Skhiri received two bookings in quick succession during the second half, ending any hopes of a recovery.
Frankfurt have managed only a single win in their last 13 outings across all tournaments.
In other action, RB Leipzig fell to another revitalised Mainz side, losing 2-1 on home soil.
Conrad Harder gave the hosts an early lead, but Leipzig skipper David Raum conceded a penalty for the second match running, enabling German midfielder Nadiem Amiri to equalise from 12 yards.
Silas restored Mainzs advantage soon into the second period. Since Urs Fischer assumed coaching duties in December, Mainz have tasted defeat just once in nine contests.
Meanwhile, Augsburg overcame St Pauli 2-1, while Werder Bremens Keke Topp rescued a draw with a stunning stoppage-time strike in their 1-1 encounter against Borussia Moenchengladbach at home.