Bayern Munich were brought crashing back down to earth as VfL Bochum inflicted a 4-2 defeat on the Bundesliga champions.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side opened up a nine-point gap at the top of the league last weekend and were searching for their fourth straight victory.
It looked like business as usual when Robert Lewandowski gave the Bavarians a flying start with his 25th goal of the season, but the game was quickly turned on its head.
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Bochum – who lost 7-0 at Bayern Munich last September – were quickly back on level terms courtesy of Christopher Antwi-Adjei’s curling shot.
Patrick Osterhage’s attempted cross was adjudged to have been handled by Dayot Upamecano inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot, with Jurgen Locadia converting the penalty to give Bochum the lead after 14 minutes.
But it was to get much better for the hosts, whose first-half performance will go down in club folklore, as defender Cristian Gamboa arrowed an unstoppable shot into the top corner after nutmegging Kingsley Coman. And just a minute before the break, Gerrit Holtmann nonchalantly lifted the ball over Ulreich – deputising for the injured Manuel Neuer – and into the top corner.
Bochum had the ball in the back of the net twice more immediately after the restart. However, goalscorers Holtmann and Antwi-Adjei were both deemed to be offside.
With 15 minutes remaining, Lewandowski reduced the arrears with a spectacular half-volley to give Bayern hope. But the damage had already been done and Bochum held on for an unforgettable victory.
TALKING POINT
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