Bernat injury blights Bayern’s win
BERLIN, Germany (AFP) — Bayern Munich could claim a third-straight German Bundesliga title next weekend following yesterday’s hard-fought 2-0 win at Hoffenheim, but have fresh injury worries for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League clash against Porto.
Left-back Juan Bernat had to be helped off in the first half as Bayern’s lengthy injury list grew.
Bayern face a make-or-break Champions League quarter-final second leg against Porto in Munich, having lost 3-1 in Portugal in the first leg last week and have eight players injured.
Bayern were already missing captain Philipp Lahm and his deputy Bastian Schweinsteiger with illness in Hoffenheim, while wingers Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben and defenders Medhi Benatia and David Alaba are long-term casualties.
“We didn’t want to take any risks,” Bayern coach Pep Guardiola said about Bernat, who was taken off as a precaution.
Depending on results elsewhere, next Saturday’s clash at home to Hertha Berlin could be when Bayern are confirmed champions after Sebastian Rode’s first-half strike and an own-goal from Hoffenheim captain Andreas Beck gave them three more points.
“We played really well in the first half and controlled the game,” added Guardiola.
“It will obviously be difficult (against Porto), but it’s our main goal. I have faith in the players.”
With second-placed Wolfsburg at home to Schalke on Sunday, Bayern extended their lead to 13 points with five games left.