Covid-stricken Bayern slip to defeat against Gladbach
Bayern München slipped to a 1-2 defeat against Gladbach at the Allianz Arena as the Bundesliga returned from the winter break tonight.
| Florian Neuhaus. | Photo: Borussia Mönchengladbach |
With nine Bayern players testing positive for COVID-19 ahead of the game, including the likes of Manuel Neuer, Dayot Upamecano and Leroy Sané, head coach Julian Nagelsmann was forced to field a second-string side.
19-year-old Malik Tillman was handed his first start for the champions while the bench consisted of youngters without a single first-team appearance under their belt.
Meanwhile, Gladbach, who were missing four players due to corona, welcomed Tony Jantschke back in the starting eleven after a long spell on the sidelines.
Despite their many absences, it was Bayern who broke the deadlock in the 18th minute as Robert Lewandowski powered a shot into the net.
But Gladbach responded well and found the equaliser through Florian Neuhaus, who thundered a volley past Sven Ulreich with 27 minutes played.
Stefan Lainer gave the away side the lead four minutes later, heading in a cross from Luca Netz.
There were plenty of chances to get on the scoresheet again for both sides, but neither team were able to add to the scoreline.
League leaders Bayern are nine points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who face Eintracht Frankfurt tomorrow. Meanwhile, Gladbach jump from 14th to 11th before the rest of the weekend's Bundesliga games.
