Bayern held to 1-1 draw at Schalke 04

German record champions Bayern Munich were forced to draw 1-1 with Schalke 04 at home on Saturday, while defending champions Wolfsburg beat Hoffenheim 2-1 away.

The encounter between Bayern and Schalke 04 is the most eye-catching game on Saturday. Following the defeat against Bordeaux at Champions League earlier this week, Bayern were under pressure to show its capability.

After 12 minutes Bayern striker Miroslav Klose shot from 15 meters but his hammer was denied by Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

Bayern gradually took control of the match, but failed to show clinical finishing qualities.

Bayern scored a surprise goal in the 31st minute as defender Daniel van Buyten's shot was deflected in by Kevin Kuranyi inside penalty area.

With this lead, the atmosphere in the Allianz Arena was rapidly lifted. However, Schalke remained calm and grabbed the equalizer before half-time, from a set piece. Schmitz sent a well timed cross into Bayern's danger zone and 18-year-old Joel Matip headed in.

After break, Bayern coach Louise van Gaal employed 4-3-3 formation and replaced striker Luca Toni for Dutch international striker Arjen Robben, while Schalke coach Felix Magath replaced Benedikt Hoewedes for defender Carlos Zambrano.

As the match progressed it turned rough with many fouls and evenly balanced. Bayern and Schalke pushed for the decider but both teams remained unlucky at the finish.

Thanks to the 1-1 draw, Schalke remained on fourth position while Bayern slipped to 8th.

Also on Saturday, Wolfsburg turned on some of the quality that took them to the title last season, fighting back from 1-0 down to secure maximum points at on-form 1899 Hoffenheim.

In the 23rd minute, Hoffenheims top striker Vedad Ibisevic headed home a cross from striker mate Maicosuel. Wolfsburg remained unable to build up attacks, and before break the game was played at slow pace.

After the interval, Wolfsburg woke up and staged a comeback game. At the 52 minute Wolfsburg defender Sascha Riether sent the ball into the penalty area where midfielder Zvjezdan Misimovic slotted in from six meters.

Only five minutes later Wolfsburg took the lead when Dzeko assisted striker Grafite scored inside penalty area.

Thanks to the away win, Wolfsburg jumped from 7th to 5th, while Hoffenheim sank from 5th to 7th.

Elsewhere, Bundesliga new boys Mainz 05 continue to defy all doubters as they nipped a 1-0 win against Nuremburg, their sixth win of a remarkable season so far. Mainz midfielder Elkin Soto scored the lone goal in the 38th minute.

VfL Bochum were left heartbroken as Stefan Riesinger's late winner denied them a point at home to SC Freiburg.

Freiburg went 1-0 ahead at the 23rd minute, but Bochum striker Diego Klimowicz headed home an equalizer after Zlatko Dedic crossed into penalty area in the 65th minute. However, Reisinger scored the winner into top right corner in the 89th minute, leaving the home crowds dumb.

Stuttgart managed to earn a scoreless draw against Moenchengladbach.

Source:Xinhua