Bayern Munich Falls to Bochum After Red Card and Squad Rotation

The Bundesliga leader, FC Bayern Munich, has fallen out of its winning rhythm following a ten-man rotation before crucial Champions League matches, suffering a surprising 2-3 defeat against VfL Bochum. A red card issued to midfielder João Palhinha for a reckless tackle on Bochum’s Georgios Masouras in the 43rd minute became a pivotal moment in the match.

Despite the loss, the German record champions retained an eight-point lead over their closest rival, Bayer Leverkusen, who also lost 0-2 at home to Werder Bremen. Bayern will face Leverkusen again on Tuesday at 21:00 for the round of 16 second leg in the Champions League, entering as clear favorites after a 3-0 win in the first leg in Munich, despite their disappointing performance against Bochum.

Two Goals from Guerreiro Not Enough

Bayern’s reserve team, led by captain Thomas Müller, seemed on track for victory after two goals from makeshift striker Raphaël Guerreiro in the 14th and 28th minutes. However, the game took a dramatic turn with a goal from Bochum’s defender Javko Medic in the 31st minute followed by Palhinha’s red card. Taking advantage of their numerical superiority, Bochum pulled off an upset with Ibrahima Sissoko equalizing at 2-2 in the 51st minute, and Matu Bero becoming the match-winner with a left-footed shot in the 71st minute.

Young goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, filling in for the injured captain Manuel Neuer, performed well and even saved a potential fourth goal from Bero. This defeat marked Bayern’s first home loss since falling 0-2 to Borussia Dortmund nearly a year ago.

Kompany’s Plans Thwarted

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany’s strategy to rest ten players, other than Leon Goretzka, just three days after the first leg against Bayer and before the return match, was disrupted by Palhinha’s reckless dismissal. After Guerreiro missed a chance to score his third goal in the 58th minute, Kompany made a quadruple substitution, bringing in Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala, Michael Olise, and Konrad Laimer. Just before Bochum’s winning goal, Bayern appealed for a penalty after Kane was brought down in the box, but the referee did not award it, allowing Bochum to counterattack successfully. VfL goalkeeper Timo Horn also made a crucial save against Musiala.

National player Serge Gnabry struggled for Bayern, missing a penalty in the 21st minute by hitting the post. Later, he appeared to score a third goal but was ruled offside in the 38th minute.

Before the game, Bayern fans created a stunning display to mark the club’s 125th anniversary across the stadium’s stands. However, the atmosphere shifted later due to a medical emergency, leading fans in the south curve to refrain from cheering out of respect.