Bayern Munich squandered its lead on Saturday when Leipzig came from behind to win 3-1 in the Bundesliga, giving Dortmund the chance to move to the top ahead of the final round. Bayern just needed to win its last two games to be sure of claiming its record-extending 11th consecutive title, but Leipzig’s shock win in Munich handed Dortmund the initiative.
“If you play so far below your own level and the level is constantly dropping, then it gets very hard to win games,” Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel said. Dortmund faces Augsburg away on Sunday. If it wins that game and its final game at home to Mainz next weekend, Dortmund will end Bayern’s 10-year reign as German champion.
It started so well for the Bavarian powerhouse, which dominated the opening half hour against the cautious visitor. Thomas Müller, making his second consecutive start for Bayern, set up Serge Gnabry for the opener in the 25th minute. But Leipzig responded with three good chances in a row. Yann Sommer responded with three good saves. Konrad Laimer, who all but confirmed he will join Bayern next season, scored a deserved equaliser in the 64th, and then Christopher Nkunku scored from the penalty spot in the 76th after he was fouled in the area by compatriot Benjamin Pavard. Dominik Szoboszlai sealed it with another penalty in the 85th after Noussair Mazraoui was penalised for handball.
“At the moment, I’ve no explanation for how something like that can happen,” Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel said of his team’s drop in intensity. Leipzig sealed third place and, with it, Champions League qualification for next season. Bayern faces Cologne away for its final game and must also hope for a Dortmund slip-up. “We have a game next week. If we win, Dortmund will be under a lot of pressure,” Müller said. “They have to win both games, and I want to see that first. If they do, then I’ll congratulate them warmly. But until then, we will stay focused and do everything we can to get three points
next week.”
