Bayern survive scare

Berlin: Leaders Bayern Munich dropped their first Bundesliga points for over a month after being held to a goalless draw at second-placed Borussia Moenchenglad-bach in Sunday’s high-tempo clash.Gladbach threatened to inflict a first defeat of the season on Pep Guardiola’s Bavarians despite less than 30 per cent possession. The hosts’ tactics were to soak up Bayern’s pressure and hit the league leaders on the counter in an intense game and it nearly paid off.

“We defended intelligently and had Bayern under a lot of pressure, I am happy with the point,” enthused Gladbach’s coach Lucien Favre. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer had a busy night to deny Gladbach forwards Raffael, Max Kruse and Patrick Herrmann, while at the other end Munich’s David Alaba hit the post in the first-half. “If Bayern hadn’t had Neuer in goal, they would have had to swallow one or two goals,” said Gladbach’s Germany midfielder Christoph Kramer.“We made it really difficult for a really strong team.”

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski also fired wide for Bayern while replacement Claudio Pizarro squandered a chance in the dying stages. Bayern drew for only the third time this season after six consecutive wins — including Tuesday’s stunning 7-1 thrashing of Roma in the Champions League. “We controlled the game well in the first-half, but we were tired after the break, lost some of our order and allowed them to counter to much,” said Guardiola.

“Overall, I am pleased with the performance and the point.”Things remain tight in the pack chasing Bayern with second-placed Gladbach, Wolfsburg and Hoffenheim all four points back.Earlier, VfL Wolfsburg moved up to third after inflicting Mainz’s first defeat of the season on their guests with a 3-0 win.Goals by Naldo, Ivan Perisic and Daniel Caliguri gave the hosts the three points.Wolfsburg for whom Kevin de Bruyne was outstanding took the lead when Brazilian defender Naldo headed home from a corner after only 15 minutes.