Preview: Bayern Munich vs Hertha Berlin
After losing the DFL-Supercup to bitter rivals Dortmund, Bayern Munich will be looking to get their season back on track quickly as they host Hertha Berlin at the Allianz Arena. Niko Kovac found things a lot tougher in his debut season than anticipated as his side were dumped out early in the Champions League, and although they were able to recover to successfully win yet another Bundesliga title plus the DFB-Pokal, the Croatian tactician will certainly be under a lot of pressure this season as Bayern aren't used to being challenged on the domestic front.
With that said, they have lost veterans like Rafinha, Arjen Robben, and Franck Ribery, although they have spent some cash to add people in defense, namely Atletico Madrid's Lucas Hernandez, and Stuttgart's Benjamin Pavard. In terms of options up front, major targets like Leroy Sane are no longer an option after the Manchester City winger was struck down by injury, and there's no real back-up choice for striker Robert Lewandowski as of now.
Dortmund really pushed Bayern all the way last season, making sure that the title race wasn't fully decided until the last matchday. While that was great for neutrals, it certainly was not fun viewing for Bayern fans, who have gotten accustomed to their team cruising to the league title in recent seasons, and they will be expecting to see their team kick off the season with a bang when Hertha Berlin come to town on Friday.
Match facts and stats: Bayern Munich vs Hertha Berlin
- Bayern will be looking to kick off their title defense with a bang...
- ...however, Hertha Berlin have proved to be a frustrating opponent recently
- Die Alte Dame are unbeaten in four of their last five meetings with Bayern (W1 D3)
- Hertha Berlin were also the first club to beat Bayern in the Bundesliga last season
- It was also their first victory in 15 attempts
- New Hertha Berlin signing Dodi Lukebakio is the first player in Bundesliga history to ever score a hat-trick against Manuel Neuer (while playing for Fortuna Dusseldorf in November 2018). Will he haunt the German goal-keeper once again?
- Hertha Berlin have won just twice against Bayern at the Allianz Arena (D5 L27)
- Bayern have kept a clean sheet in their last five home games against Hertha Berlin across all comps
Team news: Bayern Munich vs Hertha Berlin
Bayern Munich: Jerome Boateng could miss out here due to a lack of match fitness and other personal problems that saw him leave the team during their USA tour. In addition, new signing Ivan Perisic won't feature due to a suspension that's carried over from his time in Serie A.
Hertha Berlin: Marvin Plattenhardt, Arne Maier, Javairô Dilrosun and Peter Pekarik are all out due to injury. Dedryck Boyata, their new signing from Celtic, is also struggling with an injury and isn't likely to feature here, either.
Talking points: Bayern Munich vs Hertha Berlin
Bayern's difficulties to bolster their team in attack - will it hurt them as they attempt to compete, especially in Europe?
Bayern's struggles to find quality attackers all summer have been well documented. They weren't able to prise Callum Hudson-Odoi away from Chelsea before the young English winger ended up on the treatment table with an injury. Leroy Sane was another major target before he, too, ended up injured. Then there was interest in Ajax's Hakim Ziyech, who was one of the team's standout performers as they shocked Europe with their run to the Champions League semi-finals, but he ultimately opted to sign a new contract with Ajax rather than move to the Allianz Arena.
Ultimately, in desperation, they ended up making a last-gasp move to sign Croatian international Ivan Perisic - likely on the recommendation of current coach Kovac, who worked with Perisic in the past when he was coaching the Vatreni back in 2013. The Inter man and World Cup runner up arrives on loan and does have experience playing in the Bundesliga from his time at Wolfsburg, but Bayern fans are still hoping the club can make additional signings before the transfer window closes.
Where to watch Bayern Munich vs Hertha Berlin in your home country
In the USA, tune in to the 2019/2020 Bundesliga season opener featuring Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin on FOX Soccer Match Pass, FOX Deportes, and Fox Sports 2.
Can't make it to the Allianz Arena? In Germany, you can follow the match via ZDF, DAZN, and TeleClub Sport Live.
Live elsewhere? Here are your options to watch the game:
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
