FC Bayern almost threw away a seemingly certain victory. © ANSA / RONALD WITTEK

Narrow victory: Bayern almost squander a three-goal lead

FC Bayern has once again taken the lead in their long-distance duel with Borussia Dortmund – but has itself been seriously shaken.

February 21, 2026

From: dpa

A Bayern Munich side that switched off too early only showed glimpses of championship-caliber form a week before the German football clásico against Borussia Dortmund. Against a Frankfurt side that came on strong late in the game, the league leaders, led by a brace from Harry Kane, managed a 3-2 (2-0) victory. In the end, the Munich side had more trouble than necessary.

Kane (20th/68th minute) and, earlier, German international Aleksandar Pavlovic (16th minute) failed to adequately convert Bayern Munich's long period of dominance into goals. After scoring his 27th and 28th goals of the season, Kane conceded a penalty in his own box, which Jonathan Burkardt, who had been fouled on the foot, confidently converted himself (77th minute). Substitute Arnaud Kalimuendo then pulled one back for Bayern in the 87th minute after a careless turnover, setting up a tense finale.

Davies injured again

A bitter blow for Bayern: Alphonso Davies, who has been sidelined for much of this season with a cruciate ligament tear, had to leave the pitch injured shortly after the start of the second half. A few hours later, FC Bayern announced the diagnosis. The Canadian has suffered a torn muscle fiber in his right hamstring. The full-back will be out "for the time being."

Alphonso Davies has apparently injured himself again. © APA/afp / ALEXANDRA BEIER

"It doesn't look too bad. I don't know if it will be two weeks or four," coach Vincent Kompany explained shortly after the game. The 25-year-old only made his comeback at the end of last year.

Dortmund salvages a point against Leipzig

In the evening match, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich's closest rivals, were in action. The club from the Ruhr region could only manage a 2-2 (0-2) draw against RB Leipzig. Fabio Silva scored the equalizer for Dortmund in the fifth minute of stoppage time. This result means that coach Niko Kovac's team remains unbeaten in the league since October.

Borussia Dortmund has calculated a point. © ANSA / MARTIN DIVISEK

Christoph Baumgartner scored for Leipzig in the 20th and 39th minutes. An own goal by Romulo (50th minute) brought Dortmund back into the game in front of 47.800 spectators. The gap between second-placed Dortmund and league leaders Bayern Munich thus increased to eight points.

Bundesliga, 23st matchday – the results

FC Bayern – Eintracht Frankfurt 3:2 (2:0)
Goals: 1:0 Pavlovic (16th), 2:0 Kane (20th), 3:0 Kane (68th), 3:1 Burkardt (77th/penalty), 3:2 Kalimuendo (86th)

VfL Wolfsburg – FC Augsburg 2:3 (1:0)
Goals: 1-0 Gerhardt (41'), 1-1 Ribeiro (59'), 2-1 Shiogai (71'), 2-2 Gregoritsch (87'/penalty), 2-3 Rexhbecaj (90'+3)

Union Berlin – Bayer Leverkusen 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: 1-0 Khedira (28th minute)

1. FC Cologne – TSG Hoffenheim 2:2 (1:1)
Goals: 1:0 Ache (15th), 1:1 Kabak (45th), 1:2 Kramaric (60th), 2:2 El Mala (64th)

Mainz 05 – Hamburger SV 1:1 (1:0)
Goals: 1:0 Amiri (42nd), 1:1 Fabio Vieira (64th)

RB Leipzig – Borussia Dortmund 2:2 (2:0)
Goals: 1-0 Baumgartner (20'), 2-0 Baumgartner (40'), 2-1 Romulo (50'/own goal), 2-2 Silva (90'+5)

SC Freiburg – Borussia Mönchengladbach (Sunday, 3:30 pm)
St. Pauli – SV Werder Bremen (Sunday, 5:30 p.m.)
1. FC Heidenheim – VfB Stuttgart (Sunday, 7:30 pm)