Bayern Munich vs. Hoffenheim: 6 Things We Learned

The Bundesliga seemed to have broke new ground this weekend when none other than little Hoffenheim stumbled up to the Allianz Arena to take on Bayern Munich in their first Bundesliga appearance since being crowned champions, only to surprise us all with a fantastic 3-3 draw. 

Of course, Markus Gisdol's side has outscored all but Bayern in the division throughout this campaign, and this was evident from the all-out attacking that followed straight from kick-off. 

The initial surprise came no later than the 23rd minute, when forward Anthony Modeste broke past a far-from-rigid Bayern offside trap to knock the opening goal past a helpless Tom Starke in goal and put the visitors in front so early in the match. 

Bayern responded as they always do with what seemed like absolute rule when the makeshift front line of Claudio Pizarro and Xherdan Shaqiri combined to score three goals within 20 minutes of the Hoffenheim opener. The experienced, Peruvian striker scored two goals either side of the young Swiss prodigy's tap-in on the 34th minute. 

Then just before half-time, Sejad Salihovic stepped up to curl home a truly wonderful free-kick from just outside the Bayern box. Hoffenheim had pulled one back, but this game now looked as though it was Bayern's to wrap up quickly. 

Yet when the second half started, Hoffenheim reverted back to their old selves and did exactly as they had done in the first half to overcome their hosts. Within half an hour, Roberto Firmino had jinked through the Bayern defence and pulled a shot back across Starke's goal, only to elude the goalkeeper and allow his side to break even with the newly crowned German champions. 

The guests had for the second time on Saturday asked a major question of Bayern, yet unlike the first, Pep Guardiola's side simply didn't look able or remotely interested in answering it. 

For the first time this season, we saw Bayern fail to reach the expectations that they themselves had set so high. The points may have been shared upon the final whistle, but there was only one team that felt as though it had accomplished anything.

Here's what we took from Saturday's game.

Bayern's Win Streak Finally Comes to an End

Matthias Schrader

As is undoubtedly the case in Munich these days, the notion of actually sharing points with another Bundesliga side won't annoy Guardiola anywhere near as much as the concept of losing such an impressive win streak of 20 games. 

Such a minor hiccup shouldn't affect the grand plan that the Catalonian coach has for his side, but it will prick up the ears of hopeful Manchester United fans as they welcome the European champions to Old Trafford on Tuesday.

Firmino Proves Class in Biggest of Matches

Ronald Wittek

It's not been a bad week for Brazilian star Firmino. The Hoffenheim attacking midfielder signed a new contract earlier in the week that should could keep him at the club until 2017, at least in theory, among a whole season of transfer rumours. 

Yet on Saturday, he showed his genuine worth with a goal that pulled his team straight back into the game and ultimately proved enough for an all-important point against one of the best sides in European football. 

According to WhoScored.com, the performance now takes the 22-year-old up to 14 goals and 10 assists for the season. He's a wonderful, exciting young player who put Bayern to the sword on Saturday.

Bayern Now Unbeaten in 53 Consecutive Games

Matthias Schrader

Bayern may have lost their winning streak, but their equally impressive unbeaten run in the Bundesliga, which stretches back to November 2012, is still intact, as they reached their 53rd consecutive game on Saturday afternoon. 

Guardiola can still hold his head high in the knowledge that not club has managed to overcome his own in Germany this season, whilst only Manchester City can lay claim to such an anomaly when they overcame the Bavarian side in the Champions League last December.

The title race may be over, but Bayern's quest for perfection and an unbeaten season continues.

Bayern's Mind Elsewhere

Matthias Schrader

Although the new German champions put out a side that should have dealt with lowly Hoffenheim with relative ease, it was the nature of the individual performances, rather than the quality of the team itself, that let Bayern down. 

The visitors attacked ferociously throughout the game, and with each threatening wave or goalscoring chance from Hoffenheim, there was a notable drop in the pace, concentration and desire of Bayern's midfield and defence.

Getting this team of superstars to continue playing with the same intensity after winning the title was something that Guardiola was always going to struggle with. On Saturday, he and his side failed to win because of that very reason.

Hoffenheim Continue Good Form

Matthias Schrader

Although Hoffenheim have been clear of the serious threat of relegation for some time now, their form over the course of the season did seem to take a notable dip before the turn of the year, until they were able to steady the ship. 

Notable wins over Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg and Hannover are now joined by this heroic performance at the Allianz Arena, as Gisdol's side gets good and comfy within the warmth of mid-table safety. 

With Hertha Berlin, Augsburg and Werder Bremen to come, there's nothing to say this small-town club can't keep pushing and possibly steal a European spot in May.

Pep Rests Big Players Ahead of European Test

Michael Sohn

The one key fact that most people will undoubtedly take from this game is, of course, the sheer amount of talent that Guardiola chose to keep on the bench ahead of Bayern's clash with Man United next week in the Champions League quarter-finals. 

Mario Mandzukic, Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm, David Alaba, Thomas Mueller, Manuel Neuer and Javi Martinez all started the game on the bench, whilst Guardiola even took extra precautions with the early substitutions of Mario Goetze and Franck Ribery. 

As such, we can clearly deduce that, for all intents and purposes, the Bundesliga is done and no longer a priority for the new coach. Bayern may have dropped two points on Saturday, but they'll be in perfect shape and condition for the real match on Tuesday.