The Bayern fans produced a stunning tifo inside the Allianz Arena to mark the club’s 125th anniversary ahead of the home game against VfL Bochum. The club's new stadium anthem was played for the first time to create goosebump moments and the players wore the anniversary jersey. It seemed as if Wednesday's Champions League gala against Leverkusen was to be continued in the Bundesliga.
But two hours later the Bavarians were disappointed when they greeted the fans in the south stand. Despite a two-goal lead, dominance and a wealth of chances, even with a man down, Vincent Kompany's men lost 3-2 against the Ruhr valley side. Three days before the return leg against Leverkusen, Bayern saw they need a better performance to return to winning ways.
"We won't look for excuses, we lost. We'll analyse it and must take responsibility for it," Vincent Kompany said after the game. FCB played with ten men for about 50 minutes after João Palhinha saw a red card before half-time. Even with ten men, Bayern's ambition must be to win, according to Kompany: "We didn't achieve that." Board member for sport Max Eberl added: "Of course we should never see a red card, and if we do, we should put in the legwork to compensate for it – those are the two lessons from today."
Eight-point lead remains
Fortunately the defeat had no consequences with regard to the Bundesliga table. Munich are still eight points clear of Leverkusen after their next Champions League opponents lost 2-0 at home to Werder Bremen. The Bayern officials were not satisfied. "We absolutely wanted to win the game and do our homework," said Eberl: "Leverkusen lost, so nothing's changed and both teams go into the game after a defeat."
Kompany comprehensively shuffled his deck and made ten changes to the XI that beat Leverkusen 3-0, with Leon Goretzka the only survivor, not because of lack of respect for Bochum but because some Bayern pros needed a breather. But Bayern's starting line-up still oozed quality that showed when Hiroki Ito's fine pass led to the opener. Serge Gnabry was stopped, but Raphaël Guerreiro was on hand to score.
Bochum turn the tide
Another pinpoint pass found Leroy Sané and Bochum's Jakov Medić resorted to a foul to stop him in the box. Gnabry hit the post from the ensuing penalty, an indication that Bayern would lack luck on Saturday. Guerreiro (28') soon rounded off his brace, but Bochum defender Medić pulled one back. Another setback came when João Palhinha played the ball but then hit Georgios Masouras and received his marching orders. Munich were reduced to ten men for the next 50 minutes, and the visitors took their chance after the restart. Ibrahima Sissoko (51') levelled the scores before Matúš Bero turned things aroung despite Bayern's 74 percent possession and 14 shots to Bochum's eight.
"We missed a penalty, saw a red card and conceded goals. To play with ten men doesn't necessarily lead to goals," said Thomas Müller: "Maybe it's easier to move on after the defeat because nothing's changed in the table." But as comfortable as the lead in the Bundesliga may be, it is only three goals ahead of the Champions League return leg, and Bayern must win back their strong form. "We'll fully focus on Tuesday from tomorrow morning on," added Müller.
Show a reaction against Leverkusen
Tuesday's game is a perfect chance to show a response, said Harry Kane: "Whenever we've lost this season, we've always gone into the next game with a fire in the belly, and that's what we're going to need on Tuesday." Max Eberl agreed: "It isn't part of the Bayern DNA to just maintain an advantage. We must stick to our game. It'll be emotional and atmospheric, we must be ready for that."
It will be a special evening on the European stage on Tuesday, but Bayern have been warned after the dress rehearsal. Galas cannot be shown on demand, but commitment is necessary.
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