Bayern Munich struggle to 2-2 draw with Bremen

The Peruvian striker Pizarro had also put Bremen ahead in the 25th with a penalty. Marco Bode scored Bremen's other goal in the 58th, Giovane Elber in the 47th and Carsten Jancker in the 67th were on target for disappointing Munich.

The result was not what Bayern wanted four days before their European Champions League quarter-final outing to Manchester United.

"We have several injury-related defensive problems. But I hope we can find a good mix of players and do well on Tuesday. That will be a new game and we will try to be fully concentrated," said Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Bayern top the standings with 49 points, but Bayer Leverkusen and Kaiserslautern can draw even on points if they defeat Schalke 04 (Saturday night) and Dortmund (Sunday) respectively. Munich have the best goal-difference of the three top teams.

Hertha Berlin are another club with 46 points from a 3-0 win over 1860 Munich from Michael Preetz's late double and an early effort from Alex Alves.

Just hours after United lost their Premier League match 2-0 at arch-rivals Liverpool, Munich were also far from their best in the Olympic stadium and lost there for the first time against Bremen since 1992.

The visitors went on top in the 25th from Pizarro's coolly converted spot kick after Sammy Kuffour wrestled down the Peruvian striker.

Munich improved after the break with Elber slotting home a quick equalizer off a deep ball for his 15th goal of the season.

But Bremen kept cool, reclaimed the lead through Bode from inside the goalmouth in the 58th and were also undeterred when Munich levelled for the second time from substitute Jancker's short-range goal.

They clinched victory with two minutes left from Pizarro's 15th goal of the season, a fine header off Staltieri's accurate cross.

"We gave them too many chances and risked too much after the 2-2 equalizer. There are days when you have be satisfied with a draw," said Hitzfeld.

In other action, Cologne won 3-0 at drop-zone club Stuttgart, Freiburg hammered troubled Eintracht Frankfurt 5-2 and SV Hamburg were held 1-1 by Unterhaching.

(kil/dpa)