|
BERLIN, Feb. 5-- Bayern Munich advanced into the next round after beating wasteful Hoffenheim 4-3 on Robert Lewandowski's brace in the round of the last 16 in the German Cup on Wednesday. The German record champions dominated the proceedings on the pitch but Hansi Flick's men retracted with a 4-1 lead and had to sweat in the closing period as Hoffenheim sniffed the chance to level the scores. Bayern assumed control from the starting whistle and though they had opened the scoring with just five minutes played but Lewandowski's goal was ruled offside. The opener was scored at the other end of the pitch and with great assistance of Jerome Boateng who netted a clearance into the wrong goal with eight minutes into the match. It was a short-lived joy for Hoffenheim though as their lead lasted only five minutes as Benjamin Hubner deflected Alphonso Davies cross to level the scores for Bayern. Bayern gained momentum and completed their comeback in the 20th minute when Thomas Muller tapped home David Alaba's pinpoint cross from very close range. Hansi Flick's men remained on the front foot and added another goal to their lead after Lewandowski nodded past Hoffenheim goalkeeper Philipp Pentke in the 36th minute. After the restart, Bayern continued to press forward but neither Muller nor Lewandowski were able to beat Pentke despite promising chances. Hoffenheim threw every man up front and piled on the pressure but for all that they had a goal ruled out due to a foregone handball by Hubner in the 72nd minute. | 
