Bayern shocked at Hanover

German league leaders Bayern Munich had their 13-match unbeaten run ended yesterday when they suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at Hanover in a bad-tempered match.

Both sides finished with 10 players in a game where Mohammed Abdellaoue and Christian Pander scored the Hanover goals.

After Abdellaoue converted a 23rd-minute penalty for Hanover, the game boiled over when Bayern defender Rafinha fouled Sergio Pinto and players from both teams piled into a melee three minutes later.

When referee Manuel Graefe restored order, Bayern Munich had defender Jerome Boateng sent off while Hanover defender Christian Schulz was shown a yellow.

Pander then rifled in a shot on 50 minutes, but Hanover were also reduced to 10 men when captain Steven Cherundolo was sent off for a foul on Franck Ribery on 63 minutes.

David Alaba pulled a goal back for Bayern with seven minutes remaining and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger hit the post with time almost up, but it was too little too late.

Bundesliga
B. Leverkusen vs Schalke 0-1; Hanover vs Bayern Munich 2-1.

Leading standings: B. Munich 22; Borussia Dortmund 19; Schalke, Hannover 18; Stuttgart, Werder Bremen, Borussia M’gladbach 17; Hoffenheim 16.