Status: 02/18/2023 5:25 p.m
Borussia Mönchengladbach remains the “Bayern fright” in the Bundesliga. For Munich, the burden of being outnumbered for more than 80 minutes against effectively countering Borussia was too high in the end.
Bayern central defender Dayot Upamecano was sent off in the 8th minute on Saturday (02/18/2023) due to an emergency brake. Gladbach took advantage of the majority, especially in the second half, so that the 3:2 (1:1) was okay. The Gladbach goals were scored by captain Lars Stindl (13′), Jonas Hofmann (55′) and Marcus Thuram (84′). Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting (35′) and Mathys Tel (90′ + 3′) scored for Bayern.
Early Upamecano emergency brake changes game dynamics
It was a game start with slight playful advantages for Bayern. However, this balance of power did not last long. Because Upamecano’s early emergency brake against Alassane Pléa changed the game fundamentally.
Referee Tobias Welz saw the punishable contact in Upamecano’s hand on Pléa’s shoulder, which threw the Frenchman off balance in the full sprint. There was nothing to be said at leg level, a difficult but justifiable decision.
Stindl direct acceptance hits
Ex-Gladbach goalkeeper Yann Sommer parried the following free kick. But about 120 seconds after being sent off, Bayern’s winter signing had to catch up. Hofmann chose the short version of a free kick to Stindl, who scored directly.
Nagelsmann ordered striker Thomas Müller off the field as a “pawn sacrifice”, who caught up with goalkeeper icon Oliver Kahn in his 429th Bundesliga game. Full-back Joao Cancelo came on for him (16′).
Bayern’s risk game is initially rewarded
Bayern still tried their hand at designing the game and had more possession of the ball. Full-backs Alphonso Davies and Cancelo stood tall. It was always a risk, because Stindl missed a big chance after a counterattack by Manu Koné (24th).
However, this risky approach by FCB was rewarded on the other hand: Choupo-Moting equalized after submitting from Davies.
Gladbach switching game as a key
A balanced game developed. This continued in the second half. Substitutes Leroy Sané and Jamal Musiala also played a part in this, replacing Gravenberch and Gnabry (46th) and stressing Gladbach’s defense with nimble dribbles.
But the home side cheered, because the lurking Borussia followed at the right moments against decimated Munich, who inevitably offered space. Hofmann first used Pléa’s assist to take the lead again, and shortly afterwards Ramy Bensebaini hit the crossbar (57′) after a strong transition.
Munich pressed hard again in the final phase, but Gladbach held the lead with a lot of fighting effort. And Joker Thuram put the lid on it with the 3:1 – again after a counterattack. At the end of the game, Tel’s goal didn’t change anything.
Bayern receives Union, Borussia demanded in Mainz
On Matchday 22, Bayern Munich is challenged in their own stadium in the top game against pursuers Union Berlin (Sunday, 5.30 p.m.). Mönchengladbach will be fighting for points under floodlights in Mainz on Friday (8:30 p.m.).
Source: sportschau.de