Numerous great chances, but no goal: FC Bayern Munich suffered a bitter setback on the arduous path to the “title at home” despite a storming run.
The Bavarians crept into the dressing room in the pouring rain of Rotterdam with their heads hanging. The fans in the cauldron “De Kuip” maliciously sang “Goodbye”. After a clear 0:3 (0:2) at Feyenoord Rotterdam, the Munich team has to worry about a direct place in the round of 16 of the Champions League.
The frustration of the vastly superior record champions after the bitter setback was great. “Everyone is very disappointed with the performance. It wasn’t enough in the crucial moments. We didn’t have the determination in offense and defense,” said captain Manuel Neuer on “DAZN” and added: “We have to learn our lessons from that is important.”
FC Bayern are threatened with the playoffs
Even a win on the last matchday of the reformed league phase against Slovan Bratislava, who still have no points, could not be enough for the targeted top eight. After their third defeat in the premier class, the ambitious Bavarians are threatened with the unpopular playoffs in February.
Santiago Gimenez gave the effective Feyenoord the lead in the 21st minute. The Mexican added a penalty shortly before the break (45th + 9th) before Ayase Ueda (89th) completed the Munich debacle. Despite all their efforts and 32 shots on goal, Bayern found no means against the very compact fourth-place team in the Eredivisie. Feyenoord keeper Justin Bijlow also had a brilliant day.
Jamal Musiala was back in the starting eleven for Bayern for the first time in the new year. Leroy Sané had to go to the bench to replace the recently injured national player. It was the only change coach Vincent Kompany made after the 3-2 win against VfL Wolfsburg.
Sports director Max Eberl expected a “complicated game” in “De Kuip”. Above all, we have to fight against this audience.” Neuer also warned: “We really have to show everything.”
Feyenoord punishes FC Bayern’s mistakes
But initially everyone lacked perspective. Referee François Letexier stopped the game after just a few seconds because the fans set off fireworks before kick-off and there was nothing left to see in the stadium. Only after a six-minute break did things continue – with the first chance for the hosts through Gimenez (9th).
As a result, Bayern took control without initially causing any danger. The Dutch were different, as they immediately countered the far-advanced Bavarians. Gimenez gave Neuer no chance with a powerful shot.
Bayern clearly remained in control. But Kingsley Coman (28th and 33rd) and Harry Kane (42nd) failed due to the strong reaction of Bijlow. It was time to take revenge: Raphael Guerreiro, who had recently substituted for the ailing Alphonso Davies, unnecessarily fouled Calvin Stengs in the penalty area, and Gimenez accepted the gift.
Kompany reacted at half-time and brought on Sané for defender Konrad Laimer. The Munich team increased the risk more and more. But Bijlow was again at the post against Kane (54th) and Musiala (60th) in the Bavarian power play. In addition, Sané only hit the post (70th). Even the substitutions of Serge Gnabry, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Thomas Müller did not bring about the hoped-for turnaround.