BERLIN: After agreeing to sign Brazilian winger Philippe Coutinho from Barcelona, Bayern Munich were held to 2-2 by Hertha Berlin in the opening game of the Bundesliga on Friday.

Bayern’s inability to break down what looked like a shaky Hertha defense aptly illustrated their need for a player like Coutinho.

“We’re very happy that we can bring this player to Bayern,” sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told broadcaster ZDF after the game.

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

“We should have scored the goals. We had good chances and 11 corners to none. We were also unlucky. Games can go like that but I’m optimistic,” Salihamidzic said.

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.

A rout looked possible as Hertha’s defense continued to look shaky, but club record signing 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.

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.

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.

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

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

“The 2-2 is OK, we’re happy to take it,” Covic said.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2019