Bayern Munich made a winning start as the Bundesliga resumed after the winter break, defeating Hansa Rostock 2-1.
Rostock beaten by Hitzfeld's men
Bayern Munich made a winning start as the Bundesliga resumed after the winter break, defeating Hansa Rostock 2-1.
Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld, who will step down at the end of the season to be replaced by Jurgen Klinsmann, saw his side take an early lead as Franck Ribery bundled home from close range.
And Luca Toni made it 2-0 before the break, taking advantage as the home defence missed a deep free-kick into the box before controlling superbly and volleying home.
But Rostock hit back after the break with Enrico Kern reducing the deficit seven minutes into the second period.
Bayern goalkeeper Oliver Kahn made a superb save to keep out Kern's initial effort before Christian Rahn hit the woodwork with his follow-up and the striker slotted home beyond a typically apoplectic Kahn.
But Rostock could not fashion an equaliser and Bayern moved three points clear at the top of the table with the rest of the league back in action over the weekend.
