Bayern beats Hoffenheim 2-0 to put pressure on leader Union

German champion Bayern, which travels to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday, never had to hit top form against toothless Hoffenheim but were dominant in the opening period, killing off the game quickly.

Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala celebrates scoring their first goal with Alphonso Davies, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Dayot Upamecano. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Bayern Munich struck twice in the first half through Jamal Musiala and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to defeat hosts Hoffenheim 2-0 on Saturday and move within a point of leaders Union Berlin.

German champion Bayern, which travels to Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday, never had to hit top form against toothless Hoffenheim but were dominant in the opening period, killing off the game quickly.

Musiala put the visitor ahead in the 18th minute after being left completely unmarked at the far post.

It should have scored again four minutes later but Leon Goretzka’s effort was saved by Oliver Baumann who was also on hand to stop Musiala’s rebound header.

Bayern keeper Sven Ulreich, replacing the injured Manuel Neuer, responded with a good stop of his own when he kicked away a Georginio Rutter shot.

Choupo-Moting doubled the visitors’ lead in the 38th, playing a quick one-two with Serge Gnabry and then turning the ball past Baumann from a tight angle. The Cameroon striker has now scored in Bayern’s last three matches in all competitions.

Bayern took the foot off the gas after the break but Hoffenheim rarely found a way into their opponents’ box.

“I am very satisfied with our performance. The first 35 minutes we showed a lot of passion. We could have scored another four or five goals,” said Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann.

“We took some pace out of our game after the break which is an adult decision given the game against Barcelona. Overall it was a very dominant and mature performance.”

Bayern is on 22 points in second place, one behind Union Berlin which travels to VfL Bochum on Sunday.

Freiburg is third on 21 following its 2-0 home win over Werder Bremen while Borussia

Dortmund’s 5-0 demolition of visitor VfB Stuttgart lifted it to fourth on 19.