Lewandowski hits four as Bayern edge Hertha BSC in 4-3 thriller

Roberto Lewandowski scored four times as Bayern Munich survived a huge scare to beat Hertha Berlin 4-3 in the German Bundesliga.

Bayern dominated the early stages of the pulsating match and looked to go ahead through Thomas Müller whose header was correctly ruled out for offside.

But the European champions broke the deadlock just four minutes later through Lewandowski’s comfortable finish from close range.

The Polish striker then added his second just after the break, controlling and finishing well after Chris Richards’ delicate cross.

But Hertha fought back through Jhon Cordoba before Matheus Cunha levelled the score on 71 minutes.

But yet again Lewandowski came to the scene to break Hertha hearts as he completed his hat-trick from another close range finish to put the champions in front again.

However, 20-year-old Jessic Ngankam came off the bench to head past Manuel Neuer to complete the heroic comeback.

The match was far from over as Lewandowski was fouled by Maximilian Mittelstädt in the closing moments. The German and the European player of the year stepped in to take the penalty and slotted home his fourth goal and three points on a crazy night at Allianz Arena.

Reactions to the Match

Bayern boss Hansi Flick: “We must take the overall situation into account. It isn’t so easy for the players, not all of them are at 100 percent. We know we can work better in defence, act as a unit and put our opponents under pressure. We’re just lacking a few percent at the moment. But I’m pleased with the team’s mentality, we’re at 100 percent in that regard. We have the absolute desire to win. Now it’s about showing the beautiful football everybody loves after the international break. We can perform well despite the tiredness. Robert Lewandowski showed it today, he converted four chances. Robert is an absolute goal-getter. It’s important to me that he also adds the other elements, setting up goals and working defensively. He does so, which is why I’m very pleased with him. He has special qualities. A big compliment to the team, for their mentality alone. The way we played wasn’t like Bayern, we know that.”