FC Bayern has not completely silenced the talk of the crisis, but secured the first round championship in the Bundesliga ahead of time.
The defending champion fought for a difficult 2-1 (1-0) against the formally strong SC Freiburg after the two sensitive defeats with the Cup disgrace in Kiel. The record champions were still a long way from their old dominance and class.
World footballer Robert Lewandowski (6th) brought the favorite in Munich’s Schneegriesel into the lead with his 21st goal of the season – a first round record in the Bundesliga.
After the equalizer from Joker Nils Petersen, who met with his first ball contact seconds after his substitution (62nd), Thomas Müller struck back (74th).
However, Bayern international lost Serge Gnabry, who had to be replaced due to a thigh injury (28th). Freiburg, which recently celebrated five wins in a row, complained about two injuries in Baptiste Santamaria and Amir Abrashi.
FC Bayern “with the creme de la creme”
Six newcomers in the starting line-up for the recovered Kingsley Coman and Leon Goretzka – Bayern played “with the cream of the crop”, as SC coach Christian Streich admired.
And his colleague Hansi Flick emphasized again on Sky after the “brutal wake-up call” from Kiel: “There is no longer any excuse!” Freiburg will show “whether we are a top team”.
The pressing style demanded by CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge from the triple season was at least partially recognizable. Despite being overweight, the Bavarians lacked a lot of the form that had brought them trophies in series.
Freiburg countered with courage, determination and a dash of aggressiveness. Streich had to rebuild his Cologne team (5-0) after a few minutes because Santamaria could not continue due to problems with his right knee. Shortly afterwards, Freiburg was lucky when the video assistant refused Bayern a possible penalty after Manuel Gulde’s handball (5th). 36 seconds later and after a quick attack from Munich via Gnabry and Müller, it was still 1-0.
Latten hit saves FC Bayern
Freiburg was by no means discouraged and Bayern run again and again. Roland Sallai (17th) missed the greatest chance to equalize. Gnabry (25th) after a fine solo and substitute Leroy Sane (30th) could have increased.
In Abrashi (left calf), who had replaced Santamaria, the guests lost the next player at the beginning of the second half (54th). Bayern increased the pressure. Lewandowski failed on the crossbar, the margin from Goretzka parried SC keeper Florian Müller (59th).
But Petersen caught the record champions cold with his head after a corner. It was Freiburg’s 14th (!) Standard goal. Müller scored after Sane’s work, Lewandowski had the 3: 1 on the foot (79th), Sane also missed (89th). On the other hand, Petersen hit the crossbar (90th + 1).
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