Today's match saw champions Bayern take on Hertha Berlin. It was the final match of both Oliver Kahn and Ottmar Hitzfeld. If Bayern can keep Hertha under two goals, they will have overthrown Werder Bremen's record of least goals conceded in a Bundesliga season. Right now they stand at 20 goals. Bremen's record was set in 1988 and sits at 22 goals. In the beginning Oli, Hitz and Germany referee Merk were presented with flowers. Hitz shed a few tears. Kahn has played 14 seasons with Bayern, won 86 caps for Germany and has had more than 550 Bundesliga appearances. When Kahn lifts the shield today, it will be his eighth and final time. Hitzfeld won the Champions League with Bayern in 2001 and Borussia Dortmund in 1997.
The game was a bit uneventful today. Toni scored two minutes in and the game settled down a bit after that. One of the goals he tried to head in went more off his nose because of a collision with Friedrich, but it went into the net anyways. He didn't celebrate and Franck made sure he was okay. Toni eventually got his hat trick. The other goal came from Franck Ribery. I had a lot written out but my browser crashed and I lost it all again. I need to learn to hit save often when writing out these match reports. Podolski tried a few times, but overall I was unimpressed with his play. Perhaps its because he is use to sitting on the bench and is not use to having to play a full 90 minutes for any length of time.
van Buyten and Demichelis make a good back line. I really like van Buyten's efforts in defense. Lahm seemed a little more relaxed and maybe that's due to the tension of the contract negotiations being behind him. At the half the score was 3-0 in favor of Bayern.
The second half started and there were no changes for either team. Eventually Miroslav Klose came on for Podolski and Toni Kroos came on as well. Kahn had a stellar save in which he was pushed out of the way but still managed to kick the ball away. It's been entertaining to watch him play. It will be a different Bayern without him between the posts. Klinsmann and Rensing have some very big boots to step into and try and fill next season. Five goals and no yellows, not even from Mark. :)
At 87 minutes Kahn left the field and was replaced by Michael Rensing. He got a lot of love from his teammates, the referee's as well. He took to the bench and spent some time chatting with his teammates. Kahn switched shirts with Merk and promptly put the shirt on, straightened it out and pointed at the DFB logo. A new career path perhaps?
Bayern dominated the possession and the shots on goal. Hertha never really seemed to have a chance today, but then again, that's their story when it comes to playing against Bayern. Before it was all over, Kahn helped Bayern seal the record for fewest conceded goals. Before he's completely finished with Bayern, he and Hitzfeld will set off with the squad on a promotional tour in Asia.