1860 Munich 1 Jahn Regensburg 0

Iain Davidson recaps 1860's first league game of the season.

1860 Munich came into this game still reeling at the news that Bernd Meier, who had kept goal for the club for six years in the nineties, had passed away suddenly on Thursday following a heart attack at the age of just 40. Prior to kick-off, players and fans alike paid their respects to the former Lion who later became the goalkeeping coach for Germany's under-17 team.

The solitary goal came with only eight minutes played. It was a co-production of new signings. Polish defender Grzegorz Wojtkowiak headed a Marin Tomasov corner past the former 1860 keeper, Michael Hofmann in the visitors' goal. The header took a slight deflection off Regensburg defender Philipp Ziereis leaving Hofmann helpless.

1860 failed to push home their advantage and allowed Regensburg into the game, which sprang more into life in the second half with both keepers being called into action. Substitute Daniel Halfar went closest to doubling 1860's lead on 73 minutes but saw his deft free-kick hit the crossbar.

With only four minutes of normal time remaining, Greek midfielder Grigoris Makos clumsily brought down Regensburg's Congolese international Francky Sembolo in the box. Referee Bastian Dankert had no hesitation in awarding the visitors a penalty. Abdenour Amachaibou stepped up and hit a soft spot-kick to Kiraly's left, but the experienced goalkeeper reacted instinctively and saved. Amachaibou followed up with the rebound but again could not find a way past Kiraly, who once again was on hand to smartly snuff out the danger. The Hungarian international's brilliance secured all three points for the lucky Lions.

A sombre Kiraly commented post-match to reporters : ''After the tragic news, that penalty save and clean sheet were more than ever for the memory of Bernd Meier.''