February 18, 2023, North Rhine-Westphalia, Mönchengladbach: Referee Tobias Welz shows Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann the yellow card. Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa
FC Bayern Munich is threatened with losing its lead in the Bundesliga table.
FC Bayern Munich suffered their second defeat of the season in the Bundesliga in a fast-paced classic against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann’s team lost 2:3 (1:1) at Borussia Park on Saturday and have to worry about the lead in the table on the 21st matchday. Bayern were outnumbered for more than 80 minutes after defender Dayot Upamecano received a red card that was worthy of discussion.
On Sunday, 1. FC Union Berlin can replace the defending champion at the top of the table with a home win against bottom FC Schalke 04 (3.30 p.m.) and Borussia Dortmund against Hertha BSC (5.30 p.m. / both DAZN) can at least draw level on points.
February 18, 2023, North Rhine-Westphalia, Mönchengladbach: Marcus Thuram from Gladbach celebrates his goal to make it 3-1. Photo: Federico Gambarini/dpa
RB Leipzig and SC Freiburg have already benefited from the record champion’s slip in the title fight. Freiburg reduced the gap to the leaders of the table to three points with a 2-0 (1-0) win at VfL Bochum, who are otherwise strong at home. With the 3-0 (1-0) win at VfL Wolfsburg, Leipzig moved up to four points behind Bayern.
Before the kick-off in Gladbach, Yann Sommer was officially bid farewell by his former club. In the game, the Bayern goalkeeper had to reach behind him early on when Lars Stindl (13′) scored. At this point, Munich were already playing with a man fewer because Upamecano had seen the red card (8th) after an emergency brake against Alassane Plea.
Bayern coach Nagelsmann was forced to replace Thomas Müller after just 15 minutes for tactical reasons. His 429th Bundesliga game, in which Müller drew level with Oliver Kahn in second place in the club rankings, came to an early end. Bayern equalized outnumbered by Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (35′), but internationals Jonas Hofmann (55′) and Marcus Thuram (84′) ensured Gladbach’s victory. Mathys Tel (90.+3) only managed to get the visitors back. (dpa)
