Bayern Munich’s 125-year anniversary celebrations were spoiled as they suffered a shock 3-2 home defeat to VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga, despite initially taking a two-goal lead. The loss, Bayern’s first league defeat since December 14th, saw them squander a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Raphael Guerreiro scored twice in the first half to put Bayern in a commanding position. He opened the scoring in the 14th minute, pouncing on a loose ball in the box, and doubled the lead in the 28th minute with a header from a Thomas Muller assist. Serge Gnabry missed a penalty in between the goals, with his effort being saved.
However, Jakov Medic pulled a goal back for Bochum in the 31st minute, drilling a shot into the top corner. Bayern’s situation worsened when Joao Palhinha was shown a straight red card in the 43rd minute for a dangerous tackle on Giorgos Masouras.
Bochum capitalized on their numerical advantage in the second half. Ibrahima Sissoko headed in an equalizer in the 51st minute from a Felix Passlack cross. Matus Bero then completed the remarkable turnaround in the 71st minute, slotting home from close range on a counter-attack.
Bayern, who made 10 changes from their midweek Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen, were unable to find an equalizer despite late pressure. 21-year-old Jonas Urbig, making his Bundesliga debut in goal for the injured Manuel Neuer, made a crucial save to deny Moritz Broschinski, while Bochum goalkeeper Timo Horn tipped a point-blank Jamal Musiala header onto the crossbar.
Kompany’s Rotation Backfires, Title Race Implications
The defeat represents only the second Bundesliga loss for Vincent Kompany since he took over as Bayern manager last summer. It is also the first time in 34 years that Bochum have won away at Bayern. The result will raise the questions.
Bayern manager Vincent Kompany defended his decision to heavily rotate his squad, saying, “No excuses. We lost and we can analyse as much as we want but we have to take responsibility for everything… So far we always reacted really well (to defeats). In these moments you have to accept that the criticism will be there but we will focus on the reaction… We lost and it is now only about the next game. That’s the only important thing.”
The loss means Bayern remain on 61 points, eight points clear of second-placed Leverkusen, who lost 2-0 at home to Werder Bremen. Bochum’s victory moves them to 16th place, two points from safety. The result throws the Bundesliga title race open, with Bayern’s previously comfortable lead now looking less secure. Gnabry’s miss was crucial, too. It ended his side’s streak.
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