Choupo-Moting double takes Bayern back to top of Bundesliga

Champions edge past Hertha 3-2 as Cameroon forward nets for seventh consecutive game

Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala, right, celebrates after scoring the opening goal in the 3-2 Bundesliga win at Hertha Berlin on November 5, 2022. AP

Bayern Munich's Cameroonian forward Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting celebrates scoring his team's second goal (0-2) during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Hertha Berlin and FC Bayern Munich in Berlin on November 5, 2022. (Photo by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND / OR QUASI-VIDEO

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting after scoring the third. AFP

Choupo-Moting scores Bayern's third goal. AFP

Hertha's Dodi Lukebakio pulls a goal back. Reuters

Hertha's Davie Selke celebrates after a second goal for the home side. EPA

Bayern Munich's Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored twice in two minutes to lead the champions to a nervy 3-2 victory at Hertha Berlin on Saturday as they went top in the Bundesliga.

The 33-year-old Cameroon forward is in scintillating form less than three weeks before the World Cup, having netted for the seventh consecutive game in all competitions and the fourth straight in the league.

Jamal Musiala gave the visitors an early lead, rifling in after 12 minutes. In a frenzied end to the first half Choupo-Moting slotted in their second goal in the 38th minute before pouncing on a bad clearance to knock in another a minute later to make it 3-0.

But Hertha still had time to score twice before the break, Dodi Lukebakio volleyed in at the far post in the 40th minute and Davie Selke converting a 45th-minute penalty to further cut the deficit.

The pace dropped off after the break with Bayern doing enough to protect their slim lead.