KARLSRUHE// Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness has admitted his side were lucky to beat Karlsruhe, but welcomed a result which may signal a change in their fortunes. A Miroslav Klose goal three minutes from time gave the defending champions only their third win in eight league matches so far this season. The result did not move them any higher up the table, but with most of the clubs above them also winning, it was crucial to remain in touch.
"In the end, it was a touch fortunate," admitted Hoeness. "But that is what we need right now - luck. "Now things are moving upwards. Given the other results, it would have been fatal not to have won." Saturday's win lifted a bit of the pressure from the coach Jurgen Klinsmann ahead of a busy period of fixtures. Tomorrow, they host Fiorentina in the Champions League while they have three more Bundesliga fixtures in less than two weeks before they have to travel to Florence for their fourth European game.
With only four points separating Bayern from the league's summit, the situation could change dramatically over the next two weeks. "It was important to win to enable us to relax a little," said a relieved Klinsmann. "This win is certainly welcome." The only worrying sign was that of Luca Toni leaving the field in the 40th minute with sore ribs. However, the Italy international should be fit enough to face his former club tomorrow.
Promoted Hoffenheim took over at the top with a cracking 5-2 victory at Hanover 96. Hoffenheim were trailing 2-1 in the second half against Hanover but four goals in a 13-minute spell took them top with 16 points from eight games. Werder Bremen are also in bad shape, ahead of Bayern on goal difference only, after a frantic 3-3 draw at home to Borussia Dortmund. Bremen were trailing 2-1 with time running out before Claudio Pizarro struck twice from close range.
There was one final twist as Mohamed Zidan equalised from the edge of the box deep into added time. * With agencies
