Bayern de Tuchel, in free fall, endangers leadership

The leader of the Bundesliga, the Bayern of Munich, could stop being it.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
22 April 2023 Saturday 09:25
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Bayern de Tuchel, in free fall, endangers leadership

The leader of the Bundesliga, the Bayern of Munich, could stop being it. Thomas Tuchel's team fell 3-1 against Mainz 05 this Saturday, conceding all three goals in a span of 14 minutes, and with five games remaining in the championship, Borussia Dortmund could snatch first place this day.

The Bavarians, knocked out by Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16 on Wednesday, couldn't imagine a worse evening after going up 1-0 at half-time thanks to a 29th-minute header from Sadio Mané to the far post.

Despite having more than 70% possession for over an hour, Thomas Tuchel's Bayern, who have won only one of their last six games in all competitions, were unable to create more chances.

In a span of 15 minutes, Bayern were harshly punished for their defensive errors. First, Ludovic Ajorque scored with a header. Another defensive error from Josip Stanisic allowed Leandro Barreiro to score and put the hosts in front as Bayern's club bosses looked on in shock from the stands.

The hosts weren't done yet though, as Aaron Martin scored the third goal in the 79th minute to go 10 games without defeat for Mainz, who now sit sixth and are in contention for European positions.

Bayern, who are chasing their eleventh consecutive crown in Germany, have 59 points, two more than Borussia Dortmund, who will play Eintracht Frankfurt this Saturday.