Bayern Munich Held to Draw By Hertha Berlin in Bundesliga Opener

Robert Lewandowski scored twice, but Bayern Munich conceded twice in three minutes and was forced to settle for an opening-day draw in the Bundesliga.

BERLIN (AP) – Amid reports that Brazilian winger Philippe Coutinho was to join the club, Bayern Munich was held to 2-2 by Hertha Berlin in the opening game of the Bundesliga on Friday.

Robert Lewandowski scored twice for the seven-time defending champion, but Bayern failed to make the most of its chances and will rue the setback after Hertha capitalized on two mistakes to score twice in a three-minute period.

Bayern coach Niko Kovac congratulated counterpart Ante Covic after making his league debut in charge of the visitors.

Lewandowski did not have to wait long before opening his league account in the 24th minute, sliding in to convert Serge Gnabry's cross after Joshua Kimmich was given plenty of space to surge through the middle.

Who else would it be!? 🔥🔥

Robert Lewandowski scores the 1st goal of the Bundesliga season to give Bayern the lead! 👀 #FCBBSC pic.twitter.com/DWNhhifyy2

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2019

A rout looked possible as Hertha's defense continued to look shaky, but Dodi Lukebakio struck against the run of play in the 36th for the visitors, the Belgian's shot from distance taking a big deflection off Vedad Ibisevic's back to give Manuel Neuer no chance.

It's all square!

Hertha Berlin pull level as Lukebakio's shot takes a wicked deflection off Süle and goes into the net. #FCBBSC pic.twitter.com/SD9ND89pEV

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2019

Marko Grujic stunned the home fans when he made it 2-1 three minutes later, winning a duel against Benjamin Pavard before running onto a through ball from Ibisevic and rounding Neuer to score.

HERTHA TAKE THE LEAD! 2 goals in 3 minutes!

Marko Grujic collides with Ben Pavard, but plays on and makes it 2-1 to the visitors. WOW. #FCBBSC pic.twitter.com/ksUWqm4jsI

— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) August 16, 2019

''A bit surprising,'' Germany coach Joachim Low said of the halftime scoreline.

Bayern started the second half as it had the first, before VAR intervened after Grujic dragged Lewandowski's shirt from behind and the striker fell.

Cuando te olvidas por completo que existe el #VAR.
Penal para el @FCBayernUS. @marianot19 @SirJohnLaguna @FCBayernES #BundesligaEnFD pic.twitter.com/jOY0syMTVR

— FOX Deportes (@FOXDeportes) August 16, 2019

Lewandowski dusted himself off to equalize from the spot on the hour-mark.