Bayern Munich suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat against relegation-battling VfL Bochum, despite taking an early two-goal lead.
The game took a dramatic turn following a red card in the 40th minute, shifting momentum in favor of the home side.
Raphaël Guerreiro’s brace had put Bayern in control, but Bochum launched a stunning second-half comeback to secure a crucial three points in their fight for survival.
The Bavarians dominated from the start, with their opponents packing the defense to limit attacking spaces.
However, Guerreiro (14′) broke the deadlock with the first shot on target, setting the tone for what initially seemed like a routine victory.
Bayern nearly doubled their lead just three minutes later when Eric Dier forced Bochum’s goalkeeper, Timo Horn, into an impressive save. The English defender was agonizingly close to his first goal for the club.
A penalty awarded for Leroy Sané’s foul in the box provided another golden opportunity for the visitors, but Serge Gnabry’s spot-kick rattled the post, keeping Bochum’s hopes alive.
Those hopes took a major hit in the 28th minute when Guerreiro struck again. After Thomas Müller headed the ball across the goal, the Portuguese star was perfectly placed to nod it home, extending Bayern’s advantage.
Despite Bayern’s dominance, Bochum found a way back into the game. From a corner in the 31st minute, the ball fell to center-back Jakov Medic, who volleyed past debutant goalkeeper Jonas Urbig, breathing life into the contest.
A pivotal moment came just before halftime when João Palhinha saw a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Giorgos Masouras.
The referee wasted no time in making his decision, and replays confirmed the Portuguese midfielder’s dangerous tackle warranted the dismissal.
With a man advantage, Bochum capitalized six minutes into the second half. Felix Passlack delivered a pinpoint cross, met by a towering header from Ibrahima Sissoko, leveling the score at 2-2.
Vincent Kompany, eager to regain control, made four substitutions in one go, introducing Harry Kane, Konrad Laimer, Jamal Musiala, and Michael Olise. However, the changes failed to halt Bochum’s momentum.
The home side completed their comeback in dramatic fashion when Matúš Bero finished off a rapid counterattack. The goal came just seconds after Harry Kane appealed for a penalty at the other end, but the referee waved play on.
Bayern had chances to equalize, none clearer than Musiala’s effort in the 78th minute, but Horn produced another stunning save to deny him.
Both teams created late opportunities in a thrilling contest, but Bochum held firm to pull off an incredible upset.
Despite the defeat, Bayern maintained an eight-point lead over Bayer Leverkusen, who also faltered, losing 2-0 to Werder Bremen.
The focus now shifts to their upcoming Champions League Round of 16 second leg, where they will look to bounce back from this disappointing result.
