FC Bayern Munich had to share the points with Borussia Dortmund. © ANSA / RONALD WITTEK

Bayern misses golden chance against BVB

FC Bayern Munich failed to capitalize on double-winner Bayer Leverkusen's slip-up on Bundesliga matchday 29. The German record champions had to settle for a draw in the classic clash against Borussia Dortmund.

12 April 2025

From: dpa

FC Bayern, captained by Thomas Müller, missed the decisive step toward their 34th Bundesliga title in the Bundesliga classic against Borussia Dortmund. Three hours after the 0-0 assist from rivals Bayer Leverkusen, the Munich team also had to settle for a 2-2 (0-0) draw.

The German record champions' lead remains six points with five games remaining. The German Clásico only lived up to its reputation after the break. Three days after the 0-4 Champions League defeat to FC Barcelona, ​​Dortmund suddenly took the lead thanks to a header from Maximilian Beier in the 48th minute. Bayern hit back through substitutes Raphael Guerreiro (65th) and Serge Gnabry (69th). But the visiting team of former Bayern coach Niko Kovac showed great morale and resilience in front of 75.000 spectators at the Allianz Arena. Defender Waldemar slotted home the equaliser to make it 2-2 in the 75th minute.

Bavarian setback before Inter

For Bayern, the course of the game and the result were a further setback ahead of their Champions League second leg against Inter Milan next Wednesday. They had lost the quarter-final first leg at home 1-2. Although BVB missed out on a crucial win in the fight for a European berth, they responded more than well three days after the 0-4 defeat in Barcelona. The visitors, whose best goalkeeper was Gregor Kobel, were fortunate when defender Anton's save hit the crossbar (56').

Borussia Dortmund snatched a point in Munich. © ANSA / RONALD WITTEK

After Müller came off the bench and scored against Inter, coach Vincent Kompany put the departing Bayern legend in the starting eleven this time. "Simply because Thomas always brings something," as the Belgian explained to Sky before kick-off. Müller was indeed an asset. The 35-year-old was on the move a lot, made a positive impression as a provider of assists, as in the 1-1 draw, and also shot with both his right and left foot. But overall, Munich's attacking play lacked sharpness and consistency. Josip Stanisic missed the chance to make it 1-0 with a header from five meters out before half-time (35'). Michael Olise (40') and Harry Kane were also denied by Kobel's quick reactions in stoppage time.

BVB leadership comes as a surprise

After the disastrous defeat against FC Barcelona, ​​Kovac demanded a better mentality, more willingness to run, more cohesion, and more compact defending from his players. Captain Emre Can and his teammates made every effort to achieve this. Borussia only really got going after the break.

Joshua Kimmich (left) and Julian Brandt (center) in a duel. © ANSA / RONALD WITTEK

The visitors' first attack brought them the lead. Bayern's talented Jonas Urbig, who continues to stand in for the not-yet-fit Manuel Neuer in goal, was glued to the line to save Julian Ryerson's high cross. Germany international Beier headed home at the far post. The goal gave the game a boost. Borussia suddenly developed a sense of victory and countered with pace. Substitute Serge Gnabry brought Bayern back into the game, which remained open until injury time.

Bundesliga, Matchday 29 – Results

FC Bayern Munich – Borussia Dortmund 2:2 (0:0)
Goals: 0:1 Beier (48th), 1:1 Guerreiro (65th), 2:1 Gnabry (69th), 2:2 Anton (75th)

Bayer Leverkusen – 1. FC Union Berlin 0-0

TSG Hoffenheim – 1. FSV Mainz 05 2-0 (2-0)
Goals: 1:0 Kramaric (4th), 2:0 Kramaric (32nd)

Borussia Mönchengladbach – SC Freiburg 1:2 (1:1)
Goals: 1-0 Günter (14th/own goal), 1-1 Osterhage (16th), 1-2 Manzambi (90th)

VfL Bochum – FC Augsburg 1:2 (0:1)
Goals: 0:1 Essende (16th), 1:1 Hofmann (60th), 1:2 Kömür (90th)

Holstein Kiel – St. Pauli 1:2 (1:1)
Goals: 1:0 Bernhardsson (21st), 1:1 Sinani (34th), 1:2 Geschwill (90th + 2)

VfL Wolfsburg – RB Leipzig 2:3 (0:2)
Goals: 0:1 Openda (11th), 0:2 Xavi (26th), 0:3 Xavi (49th), 1:3 Fischer (58th), 2:3 Skov Olsen (75th)

VfB Stuttgart – SV Werder Bremen (Sunday, 15:30 p.m.)
Eintracht Frankfurt – 1. FC Heidenheim (Sunday, 17:30 PM)