This is not the first time that FC Bayern have shown themselves vulnerable at Feyenoord in the Champions League. The chances of direct qualification for the round of 16 have decreased significantly after the 3-0 defeat.
“The table doesn’t lie,” Joshua Kimmich told DAZN after the game: “We have to admit that we are not a top team at the moment.”
Santiago Gimenez gave Feyenoord the lead in the 21st minute after the wide-open Bayern defense was completely undermined by a long pass. Gimenez also took advantage of Munich’s second blackout: Raphael Guerreiro brought down Calvin Stengs in a completely harmless situation on the edge of the penalty area, and Gimenez converted the penalty (45th + 9). Ayase Ueda made the final score 3-0 (89th) complete the bitter defeat for the German record champions.
Third defeat for FC Bayern – playoffs likely
With the third defeat in the seventh game, the Munich team slipped to 15th place, the chances of one of the first eight places in the Champions League table and the associated direct entry into the round of 16 have decreased dramatically. Even if they win on the last day of the match against the Slovan Bratislava team, which still has no points, the competition would have to play in Munich’s favor; a detour via the unpopular playoffs in February is more likely.
Despite their clear superiority and all their efforts, Bayern were unable to find any means against the very compact fourth-place team in the Eredivisie for long stretches. Feyenoord keeper Justin Bijlow also had a brilliant day. Jamal Musiala was back in the starting eleven for Munich 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.
Felix Rösen, Sportschau, January 22nd, 2025 11:49 p.m
Lots of smoke in Rotterdam – Bavaria lose track
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.
It was different for the Dutch, who caught Bayern, who had moved far up, cold on the first counterattack: Min-jae Kim was outplayed with a long ball to the top, and Gimenez gave Neuer no chance with a powerful shot.
Bayern stayed on the trigger. But Kingsley Coman (28th and 33rd) and Harry Kane (42nd) failed due to the strong reaction of Bijlow. It was time for revenge: Guerreiro, who had recently replaced the ailing Alphonso Davies, fouled Stengs in the penalty area completely unnecessarily, and Gimenez accepted the gift.
Feyenoord keeper Bijlow saves against Kane and Musiala
Kompany reacted at half-time and brought on Sané for defender Konrad Laimer. The Munich team increased the risk. 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). The substitutions of Serge Gnabry, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Thomas Müller did not bring about the hoped-for turnaround – Feyenoord remained more efficient and struck a third time shortly before the final whistle.
Kimmich: “None at the moment top team”
After the next away flop in the Champions League, after the 0:1 at Aston Villa and the 1:4 at FC Barcelona, the Munich team were farewelled by the Feyenoord fans with shouts of “goodbye”. “Very bitter“Commented Captain Manuel Neuer on DAZN and reported from “Frustration and disappointment” in the cabin.
Against Slovan Bratislava next Wednesday (January 29, 2025), the Munich team needs a win and at the same time support in other places in order to get into the top eight.