Bitter Defeat for Bayern Munich as Eintracht Frankfurt Dominates with a 5-1 Win
Bayern Munich's domination ends in a shocking defeat as Eintracht Frankfurt thrashes them 5-1 at Deutsche Bank Park, breaking their impressive six-match Bundesliga winning streak
Bayern Munich, the eleven-time defending Bundesliga champion, suffered a devastating 5-1 defeat at the hands of Eintracht Frankfurt at the Deutsche Bank Park. The loss ended Bayern's six-match league win streak in dramatic fashion. Despite controlling possession, Bayern was outclassed on a rainy afternoon in Frankfurt and suffered its first league defeat of the season.
The tone was established early in the game when Frankfurt's winger Ansgar Knauff seized the ball after an Alphonso Davies slip in the opening minute. He drove into the box, executed a step-over, and his deflected shot narrowly missed Manuel Neuer's goal.
Frankfurt's relentless pressure was rewarded in the 12th minute, after a bit of chaotic play led to Bayern defender Noussair Mazraoui's failure to clear Aurélio Buta's cross. The ball fell to Farès Chaïbi, who struck the crossbar with his shot. Omar Marmoush then skillfully controlled the ball with his chest before finishing past Neuer, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
In the 25th minute, Bayern had an opportunity to equalize the match. Leon Goretzka threaded a superb pass to Harry Kane on the left side of the Frankfurt box, but the English star's shot narrowly missed the far post.
Harry Kane had a few attempts on goal during the match, but failed to convert his chances.
Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters
Despite the pouring rain, Knauff managed to outplay Kim Min-jae and win the ball on the left wing in the 31st minute. He then passed it to Ãric Junior Dina Ebimbe, who skillfully maneuvered past two Bayern defenders and scored a shot past Neuer while falling, bringing the score to 2-0.
Frankfurt added insult to injury for Bayern in the 36th minute when Hugo Larsson expertly completed a goal after a pass from Marmoush, cutting to the outside and shooting the ball to the far end of the goal, leaving Neuer helpless.
Munich managed to score just before the end of the first half, with a stunning goal from outside the box by Joshua Kimmich giving the visitors hope. Bayern began the second half with strong play, and had a chance to narrow the lead when Kimmich's header was deflected off Kane and fell to Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, whose shot was blocked, ending a dangerous attack.
Despite the saying, "when it rains, it pours," Dayot Upamecano's attempted move forward was halted, and Chaïbi quickly transitioned into attack, setting up Dina Ebimbe for his second goal of the night and Frankfurt's fourth. Eintracht's fifth goal of the night was delayed by a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) offside check, adding insult to injury for the defending champion. Mario Götze played the ball to Marmoush, whose assist to Knauff resulted in a goal in the 60th minute, further frustrating the defending team.
Hugo Larsson celebrates with Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe and Omar Marmoush after scoring Eintracht Frankfurt's third goal
After the VAR check confirmed the goal and the final score two minutes later, the crowd erupted in cheers and Bayern's disappointment was sealed. The defeat meant Bayern missed an opportunity to take the lead in the league.
Following the game, Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel expressed disappointment in the team's performance, stating that they did not meet their usual high standards. "We lacked intensity after the week off," Tuchel told the BBC. "It didn't seem that way in training, but it was evident in today's match. The number of individual mistakes was too high and glaring."
On December 6, 2023, in Manchester, England, Scott McTominay of Manchester United celebrates scoring the opening goal in the Premier League match at Old Trafford, Manchester. (Credit Image: é Gary Oakley/Sportimage/Cal Sport Media) (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)
Gary Oakley/AP
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Bayern forward Thomas Müller concurred with Tuchel, attributing the loss to Frankfurt playing better than the championship team.
"There's no need for excuses," Müller told reporters. "We have to commend Frankfurt, who earned the victory. They outperformed us in the first half hour. When you lose 5-1, a response is necessary. We won't panic. Time is limited, but we'll recover."
Bayern's upcoming match in the UEFA Champions League is against a struggling Manchester United, who suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League. Manchester United needs a win against Bayern to stay in contention for the knockout stage of the competition.
Despite Bayern's lack of focus in their previous match, they are expected to bring their best game to Old Trafford on Tuesday.
