This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
On a day when Bayern Munich aimed to kick-start their title defense, they were instead left to ponder what could have been after a thrilling encounter with Hertha Berlin at the Allianz Arena on August 17, 2019.
Robert Lewandowski, the prolific striker, marked the beginning of the new season with a stunning sliding finish, but it was Hertha who stunned the home crowd with two goals in quick succession through Dodi Lukebakio and Marko Grujic, who is on loan from Liverpool.
However, Lewandowski's penalty, awarded after a video assistant referee review following Grujic's challenge, ensured that Bayern Munich salvaged a point.
Niko Kovac, the Bayern Munich coach, was left to rue what could have been, saying, 'It wasn't a false start to the season. We were the better team and should have won.'
