Bayern came within seconds of clinching the Bundesliga title, but they’ll have to wait until next weekend at least.
Bayern Munich were within seconds of clinching the Bundesliga title after coming from 2-0 down at RB Leipzig in the second half to lead 3-2, but a last second equalizer from Yussuf Poulsen spoiled the party for the German Rekordmeister. The draw saw that the Bundesliga wasn’t mathematically clinched, but it’s essentially all done given the points lead and goal difference lead that Bayern has over Bayer Leverkusen.
All things considered, Bayern did exceptionally well to get back into the match in the second half with an injury-ridden squad having gone 2-0 down within the opening 39 minutes. Had it not been for a massive Jonas Urbig save early on, Bayern very easily could’ve gone into the halftime break 3-0 down, but he was arguably at fault for Leipzig’s first goal, getting caught out miles off of his line. Nonetheless, quick succession goals in the second half from Eric Dier and Michael Olise fired Bayern back into the match, which set the stage for Leroy Sané giving them the lead before Poulsen’s equalizer at the death.
Speaking after the match, Vincent Kompany was pleased with the effort and fightback his side showed in the second half, knowing full well that he fielded a starting eleven that was quite far from what his preferred selection would be if everyone was fit.
“We didn’t have a perfect first half, but we can’t expect perfection with so many players out, we’re not naive. The energy, the talent of our players help. The football in the second half was almost perfect, we had one of our best moments of the season in the second half. Of course the last minute equalizer is something we didn’t wish for. Sometimes it’s better to have setbacks in order to react. We reacted well after the first half and weren’t afraid. That gives me hope for the future,” the Belgian manager explained, looking at things from the bigger picture (via @iMiaSanMia).
Regardless of Bayern’s first half in Leipzig, the Bundesliga title is effectively theirs, which is something to be applauded given the fact that it’s Kompany’s first season in charge of the club. There are, of course, nuances throughout different stages of the season and matches that Bayern should’ve won, but at the end of the season, the title goes to the team that has the highest points tally. Bayern are deserved German football champions and can take solace in that very sentiment to build towards the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and next season.
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
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