Thomas Tuchel admitted that Bayern Munich would be conceding their Bundesliga title after a 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.As runaway league leaders Bayer Leverkusen demonstrated yet another of their trademark late comebacks to secure a 2-1 victory against Hoffenheim at home earlier in the day, Bayern, with Harry Kane returning from an ankle injury to spearhead their attack, understood that only a win against their arch-rivals would suffice.
Nonetheless, Karim Adeyemi’s expertly taken goal broke the deadlock after a mere 10 minutes, followed by Julian Ryerson doubling the visitors’ advantage with a strike just seven minutes before the final whistle, marking Dortmund’s first victory at the Allianz in nearly a decade.
Despite Kane managing to nod in a late goal, it was disallowed for offside by the Video Assistant Referee, as Munich endured only their second home defeat in the league this season.
Consequently, Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen now enjoy a commanding 13-point lead with seven games remaining, requiring just three more victories to clinch their maiden German championship in the club’s history.
“Dortmund Clinches Rare Victory at the Allianz Against Bayern Munich”
Bayern Munich welcomed back Kane, boasting 31 Bundesliga goals heading into the match, yet were without experienced German international No. 1 Manuel Neuer due to injury. Meanwhile, on-loan Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho featured in the starting lineup for Dortmund.
Despite playing away from home, it was Dortmund who surged ahead, capitalizing on Bayern’s loss of possession midway through the pitch. Julian Brandt swiftly released Adeyemi, who, despite the tight angle, expertly smashed the ball past Bayern’s substitute goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, putting the visitors in the lead.
Bayern had opportunities to equalize, but Kane endured an uncommon off day in front of the goal. This included a moment where he surprisingly headed Joshua Kimmich’s inviting cross wide of an open goal, with only Alexander Meyer to beat.
Despite Bayern’s continued pressure after halftime, they struggled to break through. Despite dominating possession and territory, Meyer was seldom called into action, with Dortmund appearing more threatening on the counterattack.
Ryerson secured the victory with a precise low finish into the bottom corner. Despite Kane’s belief that he had scored a late consolation with a header, VAR intervention meant that Leverkusen now require just eight more points at most to clinch the title.
If Bayern win their next three matches, Leverkusen could secure the title with a victory away at Borussia Dortmund on April 21.
Reflecting on the surprising loss, Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel expressed his disappointment, stating, “Overall, the game wasn’t played at a high level. It was an average game. Unfortunately, we adapted to that. From the lack of pace to the lack of passion. It’s hard to explain.”
Similarly, midfielder Joshua Kimmich expressed his bewilderment at their performance, saying, “I wonder how we could perform like that in a game like this. It’s completely inexplicable to me, it’s completely incomprehensible.”
In contrast, Borussia Dortmund defender Julian Ryerson expressed satisfaction with the win, saying, “Great feeling, nice to beat them here in their own stadium. It tastes a little bit extra good. It’s also important for the next games and what our goal is now. We’re really happy.”
Ryerson also praised the defensive efforts, noting, “Our centre-backs today had some crucial saves on the line. Big up the defence.”
He emphasized the importance of taking one game at a time, stating, “You can only take one game at the time. We didn’t have to win this, but it helps a lot.”