Bayern Munich picked up where they left off over three months ago by securing an impressive 3-1 win against an exciting TSG Hoffenheim in the new Bundesliga season's highly anticipated curtain-raiser.
Manager Niko Kovač stepped into the dugout at the Allianz Arena for the first time since his summer appointment in Bavaria, and after some teething problems in the opening 20 minutes, Bayern Munich took the lead through Thomas Müller from a simple corner routine.
Hoffenheim's Joelinton wasted the visitors' best chance of the match late in the first half, which ended on a sour note following an injury to the lively Kingsley Coman.
The hosts took just 10 minutes to find the back of the net once again after the restart, but last year's top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski was correctly denied by the offside flag. And Bayern were made to pay when the often goal shy Ádám Szalai fired Hoffenheim back on level terms.
A late circus with VAR saw a penalty awarded to Bayern Munich which eventually found its way into the back of the net thanks to a follow up from Arjen Robben. However, a bizarre check with the video assistant referee saw the spot kick re-taken minutes later - which Robert Lewandowski converted.
This was one of the most blatant dives I have ever seen. Ribery jumps two seconds after the tackle.
Penalty given. #VAR silent.
Lewandowski misses pen, but Robben scores after running into the box too early.
NOW #VAR intervenes, shot repeated.
An absolute joke, this.#FCBTSG
— Felix Tamsut (@ftamsut) August 24, 2018
The icing was seemingly put on the cake when Leon Goretzka's long-range effort was deflected past Oliver Baumann, but another check with VAR saw their two-goal lead overturned as Müller was adjudged to have used his arm.
Any doubt over the result was eased in the last few seconds when substitute Robben fired the ball into the back of the net from close range, ensuring Kovač kick-started his managerial career at Bayern with three points.
Bayern Munich
Key Talking Point
There was a sense of déjà vu during the first game of the new Bundesliga season for Bayern Munich fans, with the club's inability to kill off their opponents - something which was often on display under Carlo Ancelotti - the biggest take away for supporters on Friday.
A lack of ruthlessness wasn't just a trait that was true of Ancelotti's Bayern, but it could also be said at times of the club under their legendary manager, Jupp Heynckes.
And struggling to extend a one-goal lead has appeared to bleed over into Niko Kovač's side, something which will have to be worked on throughout training before next week.
Bayern Munich left it late to eventually get a two-goal lead, something which was partly down to a comical review with VAR, but three points is three points, and the Bavarians are now one step closer to securing a seventh straight Bundesliga title.
Player Ratings
Neuer (7) Kimmich (8) Süle (7) Boateng (6) Alaba (7) Martinez (6) Coman (8*) Müller (7) Thiago (8) Ribéry (7) Lewandowski (6).
Substitutes: Robben (7) Goretzka (7) James (6).
Star Man
Despite being forced off with what looks to be a nasty injury just before half time, Kingsley Coman was undoubtedly the star of the show at the Allianz Arena.
Starting on the right-hand side of the pitch, Hoffenheim's Nico Schulz was quickly told to drop deeper and provide extra cover for the debutant, Kasim Adams, who was often left too isolated in defence.
Even when Coman switched sides with Franck Ribéry, the defensive partnership of Pavel Kadeřábek and Ermin Bičakčić weren't able to match Bayern Munich's 22-year-old winger throughout his time on the pitch.
Overlapping wingbacks are giving TSG tons of trouble, meanwhile Kingsley Coman is purring like a vintage sports car.. #FCBTSG #Bundesliga
— Chris Williams (@Chris78Williams) August 24, 2018
Nothing special from Bayern Munich but they’ve controlled the game well. Kinglsey Coman has been excellent, hopefully his injury doesn’t seem too bad, but I have a feeling it might be. #FCBTSG
— Daniel Pinder (@DanielJPinder) August 24, 2018
Absolute merde for Kingsley Coman exactly six months ago to the day since his last ankle injury against Hertha.
— Mark Lovell (@LovellLowdown) August 24, 2018
Kingsley Coman played so well in the first half, sad to see him forced off.
— Luis Mendoza (@luiscms31) August 24, 2018
Joshua Kimmich and Thiago Alcântara were also at their wonderful best on Friday, but the devastation that Coman caused sees the Frenchman pip his teammates as the Reds' star man on matchday one.
Worst Player
There are no stand out players for Bayern Munich's worst performer against TSG Hoffenheim, but three players were uncharacteristically quiet at the Allianz Arena, including Javi Martínez and Jérôme Boateng.
Most surprisingly for the reigning Bundesliga champions, however, was the performance of Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international was well off the pace in Bavaria, despite converting a penalty, and failed to get on the end of any chances throughout the match.
The 30-year-old striker, who was eager to leave Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window, will have to find his shooting boots when the club travels to Stuttgart next week if the Reds want to really kick-start their title defence this season.
What's Next?
Nevertheless, Bayern have wrapped up the points - and that's as much as they could have asked for. Next up is a trip to Stuttgart next Saturday.