Berlin (AP) – Shortly before the start of the hot phase in the Champions League, FC Bayern made a fool of themselves. The Munich team conceded a 2: 4 (1: 4) defeat at promoted VfL Bochum.
Just 108 days after the 5-0 cup debacle in Gladbach, it was the record champions’ next major defeat. This allows the pursuer Borussia Dortmund to move back up to at least six points with a win at Union Berlin on Sunday (3.30 p.m. / DAZN).
Meanwhile, Hertha BSC is getting more and more into trouble in the relegation battle. The self-proclaimed Big City Club lost 2-1 (0-1) to SpVgg Greuther Fürth at the bottom and slipped down to 14th place in the table. VfL Wolfsburg and Borussia Mönchengladbach, on the other hand, achieved important victories. Wolfsburg won 2-0 (1-0) at Eintracht Frankfurt, Gladbach beat direct rivals FC Augsburg 3-2 (1-0). With 27 and 26 points, both clubs averted the danger a little. Augsburg (22) still holds the relegation rank. In addition, SC Freiburg and FSV Mainz 05 drew 1-1 (1-0) in the chasing duel.
Historical proportions
For Bayern it was rock hard in the first half. After the opening goal by world footballer Robert Lewandowski (9th), Munich conceded before the break from Christopher Antwi-Adjei (14th), Jürgen Locadia (38th / hand penalty), Cristian Gamboa (40th) and Gerrit Holtmann (44th). a four pack.
This was of historic proportions. The record champions last conceded more than three goals in the first 45 minutes on November 22, 1975, when Eintracht Frankfurt was 5-0 at the break – and 6-0 at the end. So Sven Ulreich, representing the injured Manuel Neuer, did not have a good afternoon – and that four days before the round of 16 first leg in the premier class at Red Bull Salzburg. Lewandowski’s second goal didn’t change that (75′).
The Fürth opening goal against Hertha was also a bit historical. Branimir Hrgota scored after just 26 seconds. It was the earliest goal this Bundesliga season. Also in the history of the Fürth league, which, however, only covers two seasons, no player had scored earlier. Hrgota also made the preliminary decision with a converted hand penalty (71st). Linus Gechter was only able to shorten the lead for the Berliners (82′).
Kruse scores for Wolfsburg
Max Kruse’s winter commitment is gradually paying off in Wolfsburg. The striker scored the opening goal in Frankfurt (28th) with a penalty kick. Dodi Lukebakio made everything clear (90 + 3). It was the second three for VfL in a row. There were also three points for Gladbach after four home defeats in a row. Kouadio Koné (30′), Jonas Hofmann (46′) and Ramy Bensebaini (67′) scored for Borussia, the Augsburg goals by Iago (55′) and Alfred Finnbogason (90’+3′) were no longer enough to win a point.
Freiburg, meanwhile, has strayed a bit from the road to success. After the Mainz goal by Alexander Hack (31st), precious joker Nils Petersen only managed to equalize (69th). The sports club remained without a win in four of the five games in the second half of the season. Accordingly, coach Christian Streich’s team missed out on a place in the Champions League, which RB Leipzig occupied by beating 1. FC Köln 3-1 on Friday.