A Sombre Night of Reflection

A sombre night of reflection and mourning ended with an inevitable Harry Kane goal. Bayern Munich's Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim was overshadowed by emotional and heartfelt tributes to one of their own - the late, great Franz Beckenbauer.

Bayern Munich Pays Tribute

Since his passing last weekend at the age of 78, the footballing world has grieved the loss of a true great - a man who won the World Cup both as a player and a manager. And before their first match since the sad news, Bayern produced a respectful and classy send-off in front of a packed-out Allianz, including Beckenbauer's friends and family.

Business as Usual for Bayern

On the pitch, it was business as usual for the reigning German champions, attempting to chase down Xabi Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen - seeing off 10-man Hoffenheim thanks largely to a double from former England U21 star Jamal Musiala.

Kane Matches Lewandowski's Record

And then came Kane, having a rare off night for a man in incredible form with 21 league goals in 15 appearances for Bayern, but still managed to make more history by matching Robert Lewandowski's feat of 22 strikes in the first 16 games of a Bundesliga season.

A Last Goodbye

Five-and-a-half hours before kick-off, hundreds of fans gathered at the Allianz for an intimate memorial inside the ground, alongside former teammates of the three-time European Cup winner. The stadium's famous digital shell - normally lit up completely red - had the addition of "Danke, Franz" appear in large, black letters.

Heartwarming Touches

There were plenty more heartwarming little touches - Bayern warmed up in special jerseys with No.5 on the back, as well as on their retro walk-out tracksuits. Both sets will be signed and auctioned off for the Beckenbauer Foundation.

A Grand Tribute

The minute's silence before kick-off - held across every Bundesliga game this week - was immaculate and spine-tingling. The atmosphere in the early stages was understandably subdued, and Bayern were perhaps lucky to come away with a narrow, crucial victory - Hoffenheim blowing several chances before having a man sent off. But in the grand scheme of things, this was not about anything other than remembering a man whose legacy is etched in Bayern's past, present, and future.